How to talk to a friend who “cares too much”
I’m on a weight loss journey. Nothing crazy but ignoring what I eat and how much/little I eat has landed me with some health issues that changing my diet and exercising a little should fix. I have a friend, we’ll call her Shirley. For the most part she’s a great friend. Anyone would be lucky to have her. But she’s made some comments lately basically treating me like I’m st*rving myself to get in better shape. I promise you I am not. But once I started eating a balanced diet and went from a sedentary lifestyle to moderate exercise, the weight has been shedding. I am doing everything naturally. I work with a team of doctors and a nutritionist, physical therapist, chiropractor and have had a couple of trainers along the way. (The health issues from my old, lazy way of life really stacked up.) I went from less than 2000 steps a day to 10,000+ for instance.
I don’t know how to approach her comments bc they are kind…on the surface. But we’ve dealt with some issues before regarding her having some jealousy towards me. She’s apologized and has promised herself and me that she will do better. So I don’t know if this concern is her genuinely making sure I’m okay or if there’s some residual animosity. Even when we hang out she’ll suggest things I don’t ordinarily eat any more. I’ll say yes from time to time bc part of the changes I’m trying to make are to be able to keep this up for life and a life of never having pizza again isn’t one I’d like. So I’ve already accounted for eating “junk” from time to time in this new lifestyle but I’d like to reduce it as much as possible. I’m anxious now bc I no longer have complete faith that all of her concerns are coming from a good place. I really do want to stay friends with her, and I DO want someone to look out for me in case I start doing something unhealthy unknowingly. Advice?