There are substantial individual differences among people in regard to weight and health. Significantly, folks tend to associate with groups that share their particular issues in this regard. We interact with those who\u00a0find things that are important to us to be important to them also. And so I hiked five miles today with a good friend. I am impressed that Fran can carry a pack almost as heavy as mine, while weighing much less than I do. This is significant, but only if you value backpacking.<\/p>\n
My weight has stayed pretty much the same for half a century. It\u2019s not magic. It can\u2019t be attributed strictly to either life style or genetics alone. I am grateful for my good health \u2013 something with genetic components. At the same time, my parents and friends have always focused on keeping physically active and fit, and eating healthy foods.\u00a0 This is not always easy, but I have always paid significant attention to actually doing these things. I take some personal credit for this. And my friends have tended to share my focus. My question is, how can we best be helpful models for others and not just egoist irritants?<\/p>\n
It has been my experience that some people (particularly those who feel concern for their own weight and physical condition) may not want to hear what I have written above. Am I being inconsiderate? Does it sound like blaming others? Blaming the victim? On the other hand, what is our responsibility to work with what we have? Can we speak both frankly and sympathetically, or are these two mutually exclusive? Do we offer support of a current less-than-desirable condition, or support for an effort to make significant changes? Can we say \u201cGet away from this computer and get outdoors\u201d without offending? Should we say this even if it is experienced as offending, because we believe that this is the best way of truly supporting the individual as a friend?<\/p>\n
When my former wife transferred her interests from outdoor activities and healthy food to something quite the opposite, she also acquired a group of new friends to match her new life style and appearance. Most of us do this to an extent, because it reduces any frictions and challenges related to our lifestyle. But when our lifestyle becomes one that promotes poor health instead of good health, this would not be a good thing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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