Since I travel to different buildings during my workday I don’t really have an “office” per se. I usually work from the seating area of one of the cafe’s. It’s not out of the ordinary as the seating area generally houses many out-of-towners and nomads such as myself. Working in this type of environment has its perks but there are also drawbacks (think living out of a backpack). One aspect of this set up I enjoy is that I do get to interact with so many people on a daily basis. While it can be overwhelming at times, just about every person I know at work will come and say “hi”.
Begin Typical Conversation (RP = Random Person)
RP: How are you today?
A: I’m doing well and yourself?
RP: Oh good, just been doing –abc- and –def- you know, staying busy.
A: That’s great! Your family is doing well?
RP: Yes very well thank you
A: So good to hear, have a great day!
RP: Yes you too!
End.
It’s your typical office small talk. Well, this particular day caught me a little off guard. Instead of the usual “Have a great day” goodbye, RP said:
“Well you look very healthy have a great day”
My response: “Ohh you too, I mean you have a great day too”.
“You look very healthy?” I thought to myself. I’m confused. And then I had this conversation in my head.
Did I not look healthy before? What does healthy look like? Am I wearing skinny jeans? Is my skin glowing and that’s why it was said? No no no my skin isn’t glowing that’s what happens when you’re pregnant and you are definitely not that. Am I wearing more makeup? Oh, it’s cause I’m wearing heals so I am taller and more confident looking. Does it mean I look athletic? Did I not look like I worked out before?
You get the idea.
I couldn’t get over this whole “you look healthy” comment. It’s just not something I hear often in a conversation with someone whom I don’t know much about and who doesn’t know much about me (other than the fact that I am a dietitian). I think because I feel so strongly that “healthy” feels/looks different for everyone that I had so many questions.
Then I decided to get over all the questions I was asking myself. Of course this was not without contemplation that I should go ask RP what was meant by the non-traditional goodbye. I nixed the idea when I assumed I’d be deemed a little crazy when RP probably didn’t think twice about it.
Healthy does feel/look different for everyone so I’m going to take this one as a compliment and run with it. Though I still think it’s a weird goodbye, it gave me some insight into the way I think.
Take it as something positive and move on Allison. Stop over-analyzing everything (though secretly I know that will never change).
Looking healthy is a great thing; Take it as just that!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Looking “healthy” can be so loaded! Your thought patterns are probably ones 99% of women can relate to!
I used to take it as “you gained weight – now you look fat”…not “your collarbones aren’t popping like whoa any more, that looks much better on your frame!” These days, I’ll take it as a compliment – I work pretty dang hard to be healthy, so if I look that way…must be doing something right!
Sounds to me like someone was hitting on you
I am sure you look great! Healthy is such a compliment!
Nikki recently posted..All Good Things Must Come to An End
I am the same way, those comments that I don’t know how to take stick with me. I hate it!
Great attitude! I’ve had random people make “you look healthy” comments before too and I always over analyze it and take it in the wrong way (as “you look fatter than the last time I saw you”) but I’m sure they actually mean well. And you’re right- looking healthy is a great thing!
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles recently posted..Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Y’know, it is a pretty random comment, but I like it! I want to start using it, even if over-analyzation ensues, haha. ‘Cause it definitely is a good thing–you don’t look healthy if you aren’t doing something right!
Allie recently posted..Five for Wednesday
That is such a weird thing to say! I would over-analyse it too!
Dorsa @ Running Thoughts recently posted..Pho & Brats
I don’t think it’s that weird. I’d definitely take it as a compliment. Better to be told you look healthy than you look tired or like sh*t right?
I take it to mean you look confident, happy, and feel good in your body.
Eating as a Path to Yoga recently posted..Chocolate Book Give Away Winner
That is a strange compliment. I would be doing the same thing. I mean, it’s very nice but a bit out of the ordinary.
Like when people have told me I look like I have lost weight. I don’t get how I am supposed to take it.
Kristen (swanky dietitian) recently posted..Easy Stuffed Poblanos
Oh girl! You know me well enough to know that I am so with you on the over-analyzing front, haha! I would have had the same mental conversation too. I think your conclusion is correct! It IS a compliment!
Rach recently posted..Summer Recipe Lovin’
A good friend of mine said that to me once and I quickly snapped back, “as opposed to what?!” We laugh about it now, but her face when I said that has made me take the time to think before spewing out such reactions.
I’d probably have the same-ish thought process hearing that from a stranger. BUT, it’s totally a compliment!
Rachelle Renee recently posted..Whaaaat I Ate Wednesday!
I can be pretty socially awkward at times…somehow that seems like something I would say and then think “omg did I really just tell someone they look healthy today?!” I wouldn’t worry about it too much
Amy @Ahealtheeater recently posted..Eggplant extravaganza: Part 1