A Reddit user has shared a heartfelt apology for the years he spent fat-shaming others in an “ignorant, mouthy, judgmental,” and “abusive” way.
In a lengthy post that has since accrued more than 1700 comments, the former bully, who goes by the username Roundrobinater, shared his personal journey of understanding and remorse.
“I am the one who was giving you dirty looks in the grocery store. I am the one who rolled their eyes at you in the restaurant.
“I am the one who wouldn’t play with you in elementary school, teased you in middle school, and pretended you didn’t exist in high school.
“I am the one telling you it is your fault. That you’re disgusting and you’re just lazy. But I’m not anymore,” he begins.
The user went on to explain how he came from a fit family, where home-cooked meals and regular outdoor play were the norm.
He judged others in both a personal and professional setting, even admitting he refrained from hiring qualified workers because of their size at the assumption they were “weak and unmotivated”.
“I did not understand how someone becomes fat. I thought I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was a conscious decision people made,” he explained. “Having this thin privilege handed to me my entire life I thought weight loss was like any other goal, it just took organisation and willpower.”
All of this changed, however, when he acquired an injury – a ruptured Achilles’ tendon that would put him out of work for six months and essentially change his life.
After a lifetime of being fit, the anonymous writer turned to food and quickly gained 53 kilograms. The abrupt change to his lifestyle and eating patterns took a toll, and before he knew it, he was unable to fit his clothes, with chest pain preventing him from exercising.
Now weighing in at 131kg, the man poured out a heartfelt apology to each and every person he ever hurt with his stares, remarks and judgements.
“I am sorry for every look I every shot you. For anything I ever muttered under my breath. For every time I changed seats because of you. For the names I called you in school and for the dance I wouldn’t be your date for. You deserved better than me anyways.
“I apologize to each and every one of you who has ever been unfortunate enough to cross paths with a volatile prick like me who sought to make your personal private health concerns their business.”
The user’s letter has been met with both positivity and criticism. Readers have offered their own advice, services and support on his journey to becoming a more understanding and healthy person.
Concluding, he writes: “I’ve got a ways to go. But just know that for whatever it is worth I was wrong. And I am sorry.”
