Hey there. Criticism can come from anywhere. Sometimes it’s a random stranger online, other times it’s someone living under the same roof as you. And no matter where it comes from, it stings. Especially when you’re putting in real effort to better yourself. But here’s what I’ve learned — criticism usually has very little to do with you.
Most people, at some point, are unhappy with where they are. Maybe not with their whole life, but at least in one or two areas. So when they see you making changes in an area they struggle with, they might lash out. They might try to tear you down. And while it’s hurtful, it’s really just a reflection of what they’re dealing with.
Online, it’s easier to brush off. Trolls are everywhere, and most of them don’t know you. What’s encouraging is how supportive most of the weight loss community actually is. If someone leaves a nasty comment, others usually jump in and shut it down. That’s one of the things I really love about our space online.
But when it happens in real life, it cuts deeper. When it’s your partner, a sibling, a friend... someone you thought would support you. That’s tough. And unfortunately, it’s common. People get comfortable with who you’ve been. Your decision to change shakes things up. Sometimes it makes others feel insecure about their own choices. Sometimes it feels like a threat.
If you’re facing that kind of pushback, please keep going. You are not wrong for wanting to feel better, move more, eat differently, or build confidence. If someone close to you is lashing out, it’s not your responsibility to carry their emotional baggage. But it might help to talk. Ask them what’s really going on. And if you’re the one who’s been unsupportive, it’s never too late to reflect, own it, and show up differently.
This journey is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to do it without support. But even if that’s your reality right now, you can keep moving forward.
If you want a community that supports you through the messy parts, join The YLF Experience. You’ll get structure, support, and most importantly, a group that genuinely wants to see you succeed.