Turn critic into your fitness cheerleader

Dear Harriette: I have a friend who means well, but she sometimes says things I take offense to. She will make comments about what I’m eating if she doesn’t deem it healthy, and she has told me I could lose a few pounds. She doesn’t say it to be malicious, but how can I remedy this without causing drama? She is becoming a broken record.

I have a bit of a weight problem, but I recently started a fitness routine with a trainer, so I’m on it . I would appreciate encouragement rather than constant critiquing. — Feeling Fat, Jackson, Miss.

Answer: Congratulations on taking steps to become healthy. The best thing you can do for yourself is to claim a healthy lifestyle and then maintain it.

This is a lot easier said than done. It requires discipline, focus and consistency. I wish you the courage and conviction to stay the course.

Meanwhile, enroll your friend as a cheerleader. Assure her that you are paying attention to your health, and reveal your new fitness plan to her. Share how excited you are about developing this discipline. Ask her to support you, then describe what support looks like to you. Be sure to tell her that you prefer she not scrutinize your food choices, and that you are uncomfortable when she criticizes you.

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