The Number One Rule of the Internet

Never read the comments.

Remember my success story, posted on Huffington Post? Turns out, it got a lot of comments. Comments I never noticed, 'til I revisited my story (which I'm hugely proud of, by the way) tonight.

Ninety percent of the comments were positive, or spam (haha). But there were a few that actually kind of stung. Which is ridiculous, because everyone knows that the Internet brings out the worst trolls, that from behind your computer, it's super-easy to just post a random rude comment about someone.

First are the people who belittled my accomplishment--I lost ninety pounds, people, that's an Olympic gymnast--by saying it's not a "true" success story because I haven't had it off for five years yet and most people just gain it back. Thanks for the vote of confidence for someone you don't even know, random assholes. Re-read the article and see where it took me three-and-a-half years because I didn't do some "miracle" crash plan, I changed my whole lifestyle. I can handle this--I know the truth, my friends and family know the truth. I can even handle the people saying the story is bogus because obviously the pants I'm holding up in the after picture wouldn't have fit me in the before picture (not taking into account that, you know, the pics were taken at different angles, from different ranges, I never had a professional photographer documenting this).

Then there are the people who just make disgusting comments about my appearance. I know I shouldn't be either surprised or even offended. After all, opinions are like assholes, right? But I admit it, it stings to read, "What's up with her neck?" (which, for a long time, was one of the biggest things I hated about my body, but I've actually made peace with it) and "I wonder how she looks in a bikini with all that loose skin?"

You know what? It feels great. I've got a fantastic body. I don't look like a Victoria's Secret model, but I am strong. I am happy with how far I've come. What also feels great is seeing that most of the comments were positive, and random strangers even stepped in and defended me. I could set up a commenter profile at HuffPo and defend myself, but to be honest, it hardly seems worth the time. I'll spend a few minutes tonight letting myself sting a bit, but in the morning, I've got better things to do--like running, and a trip to the gym.

And, you know, never again reading the comments.