Well, that was Nona’s side of the story, my friends. The sad truth about this story is that Nona suffered from major deep rooted body image issues. The fact that she was dark-skinned in a country that thrived on fair skin, obese and unable to maintain her interest and stability in any vocation she chose for herself had driven her to a lifestyle which fed her with false vanity and pride. She shopped recklessly, pampered herself to spa and beauty treatments far more frequently than other women, visited and partied at the most happening joints. She indulged in loose talk and gossip with the most atrocious gossip-mongers around her who spoke badly about her as well the moment she turned her back. She dated the hottest hunks, who cheated on her with other women, leaving her feeling shortchanged and puzzled about why this always happened to her. The fact was that she always attracted the wrong kind of attention. What else would frequently clicked and uploaded selfies which showed her pouting seductively from under thick layers of makeup and deep plunging necklines attract? But well, these were the very things that gave her pleasure because these were the things that fed her bruised ego. A once warm, affable and healthy bundle of joy had transformed herself into a synthetic doll who was plagued with catastrophic psychological and stress related health disorders for life. A doll which only had fake admirers. Most of her social media statuses revolved around love, sex, and looks which gave out an impression of her being an easily available catch. Slowly she resorted to everything that gave her short term pleasure, which included indulging in detrimental habits like smoking, drugs, alcohol and one night stands. All in the name of appearing hip.
She would be often overheard complaining to friends about how people were jealous of her, calling them outdated and judgmental. To the extent that she refused to listen to her own mother on the same. When well meaning friends tried to counsel her regarding her choices she would lash back at them stating that it was her life and she would live it the way she wanted to. She is absolutely right there. And it was no wonder that slowly she started losing out on her outdated old friends. Why would they waste their time on someone who had decided to walk on the path of self destruction? And more so, when someone who thought that their well wishing advice was coming out of jealousy, especially when the supposed object of jealousy was actually in a place where one would only pity her. There was hardly anything that she possessed which would attract jealousy. On the contrary people laughed at her behind her back at the irony of her statements. You see, false vanity, arrogance and overconfidence are never the kind of qualities that people get attracted to. I myself do not get drawn to a person who does nothing to enrich their lives with productive activities. A beautiful person is the one who nourishes himself inside out, mind, body, soul, and not just focuses on their external appearance, which will eventually fade with time.
So, what would you do if one of your friends is suffering from a similar kind of disorder? Well don’t lose heart – next time that you or any of your friends are in a predicament of this sort, there is someone who could help you on a neutral ground, giving you advice as a third person. Sometimes this kind of situation demands that you seek advice from professional people who you are assured will give you unbiased advice. And this facility my dear readers, has been made more convenient than ever by AdviceAdda.com, ‘India’s First Online Advice Portal for Youth & Teenagers on Education, Career, Relationships, Health & Sex. Professional and unbiased advice is just a click away now, thanks to the never ending perks that the advent of internet has blessed us with. And the best part is that this service is absolutely free of cost.
When you log on to their site, you will be pleasantly surprised with the plethora of activities and services this platform provides. Right from informative articles from experts and tools that one can benefit from, to nurturing various talents, especially writing. Subscribing to their newsletter will not only keep you updated but also open up many unexplored avenues to make your life balanced and enriched. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, Click Here!
Disclaimer: This is a purely fictional story. None of the facts stated here are in reference to any one person, or event in particular, but an amalgamation of my observations of the changing face of society through various experiences and interactions. These are my personal opinions that I have stated without intention of hurting any one in particular who might associate themselves with this post. The idea is to provide help to those who are mature enough to understand that they require it.
I love this line in your writing (and by the way was looking for your posting when I got interrupted by you posting this!): A beautiful person is the one who nourishes himself inside out, mind, body, soul, and not just focuses on their external appearance, which will eventually fade with time. And I'm curious Vinodini, did you make up that website link with all the photos on it? Or you used it for your story? I imagine the latter. (If these are silly questions, it's because it's another late night for me! 😉
Thanks Elly. I do believe in an all round development for a balanced personality. Looks are only a tiny part of who you are.
The link to the website AdviceAdda is definitely not fake. Its a live, functional and resourceful website that caters to youth and teenage issues. I recently contributed a write up from my blog that got featured on that website.
You are a wonderful story-teller. Recently bumped into your blog and your stories are weaved with a variety of stings. This particular story is a sad truth that's trending with these days, stimulated by social media even more.
Until later,
Keirthana
Thanks Keirthana. I'm glad you enjoy reading my stories. Welcome to my blog. You're right, this indeed is a trending issue that is a cause of concern.
Vinodini
That girl could be ME 🙁
At the age of 28, I was 80 lbs and almost dead, when my (very concerned) husband dragged me to the nearest Medical Center. I was diagnosed with Anorexia.
While most couples go on honeymoons, we took a trip of hospitals because of my severe condition. After being hospitalized multiple times, I was – obviously – laid off.
Am I cured? ABSOLUTELY not
I struggle with body-image issues EVERY MINUTE of EVERY DAY. I can never completely relax around my family because of my constant comparisons with them. But I am still trying and there is hope.
…because I look around and notice my amazing support system – especially my husband – gazing at me with belief in their eyes and love in their heart. I cannot let them down again, can I?
My ED demon and I will have to continue warring in private until I vanquish it – which I WILL!
You are right, dear, in that being happy should have nothing to do with your superficial appearance. It has to do with your mind, your soul. Are you living from a place of love – for yourself and towards others? If not, you will never be happy, regardless of whether you are 80 lbs or 200 lbs!
Size really doesn't matter.
Thanks for ANOTHER imagery-rich post…
LOVE you,
Kitto
Kitto, you did cross my mind while I was writing this post. But from what I can gauge you seem to have embraced a lot of positivity in the process.
It puzzles me to see a warm and spirited soul like you to suffer like this. Trust me, your overall personality exudes so much warmth…you're beautiful for the way you liven up people's days and make them feel wonderful. And that my darling makes your external appearance radiates with so much beauty that you probably fail to notice.
You're blessed to have the support of a loving husband. Not many men have the privilege of being married to someone who is such a great pleasure to be with. And honestly, who doesn't have their demons to deal with? All of us do. How we fight them is more important.The fact that you're acknowledging them and willing to take help in dealing with them is what sets you apart from the girl in this post.
You're wealth is your ability to express beautifully which you are successfully doing. Focus on it and trust me, your demons will be scared to venture anywhere near you.
To think of it…aren't we not fretting on something
To think of it…aren't we not fretting on something that is so short lived and comes with an expiry date.
Speaking on a spiritual level, shouldn't we rather focus on something that nourishes our soul coz that is what we're going to be taking forward with us. I hope my words make sense to you dear and you're able to gain some insight from them.
FYI, I lost most of my teeth because of this disorder. Yep – a 32 year old woman needs CEMENT to glue her bridged teeth to the gums.
It sucks. But it was my choice and I have to do the best with what I have from now on
Thanks for being YOU
Much Love
Kitto
Omg! That must have been terrible. But on a positive note, I feel that all is not lost. There are people out there who are dealing with severe handicaps diseases and all kinds of unfortunate things which makes our problems appear like tiny specks in comparison.
I really pray with all my heart that you gain some kind of solace from my words and banish those self created demons from your life forever.
Love you lots. Remember life loves you too…so keep smiling in the knowledge that a lot many people like me love you and find you extremely beautiful… Cross my heart on this one. Hugs.