When the bods behind the popular BBC3 “Things Not to Say To…” viral video series come a knocking asking whether you would like to get involved in a video to talk back and tackle those burning questions that plus size people hate being asked, I jumped at the chance.

Whether it’s people you’ve never met thinking they can make comments about your weight on the internet, to people on the train or your work colleague thinking they’re being kind by correcting you when you say that you’re not fat, carrying a little bit of extra baggage can be somewhat of a minefield and although my weight technically isn’t anybody else’s business but my own, EVERYBODY seems to want to weigh in on the non existent debate.  Pardon the pun.

At one point or another, every plus size person will have fell victim to the back handed compliments or veiled insults from complete strangers and even people who they consider as friends or even their family.   With “FAT” being a word which still has a negative connotation for many, many are quick to correct you when you refer to yourself as being fat. People would much rather you didn’t refer to yourself in that way because it makes them feel uncomfortable or they cant process that word positively and seemingly offer excuses for your size.  On the flip side there are the people who want you to know that you’re fat, that they don’t like it and won’t allow you to go another second without them letting you know exactly what they think about your size.

It’s important to remember that although this is a funny video and is somewhat tongue in cheek, the message is hopefully something that will resonate with people, as should all of the “Things Not to Say To…” video talking points. With immediate access to platforms that give us a voice or a soapbox, now more than ever we’re giving and having opinions on topics that often may not require our input or our opinions may not be wanted.

To leave negative comments on the internet about someones physical appearance, gender, race or sexual preference may seem like our god given right because we have an internet connection and a keyboard, but it’s always worth remembering that behind that screen is a living, breathing human being who does not deserve to be pulled apart so publicly for the entertainment of others.

It’s always worth remembering that behind that screen is a living, breathing human being who does not deserve to be pulled apart so publicly for the entertainment of others.

I’m so pleased to have been asked by the BBC to take part in this project and air little old me’s thoughts about this topic. It was so fun to film, to watch the finished video back and even more so to see the reaction it online.

I hope you enjoy it!