I’ve been lurking for a while. This community is one that most of my friends make a LOT of fun of. But I feel like it sort of reflects some truths and am tired of fighting. I’m 27 and very overweight (5’3” and 230 lbs). I’ve been overweight P much my whole life but it really got out of hand for me in law school and after. For the last 4-5 years I’ve been in a really toxic “situation-ship” with what I’d say was a pretty good captain—strong, attractive, confident, but he didn’t have a job and had some anxiety issues. He would never admit this but I think a big part of the reason he wouldn’t commit to me is because of my weight. We’ve finally broken it off and I’m tired of doing what I’ve been doing for so long—dating but never being a girlfriend, feeling bad and trying to use romantic interest to validate myself. I’ve started dating again and hoooo boy the boys I’ve been “attracting” are beta bummers. Im sick of being the fat one with a pretty face or one that ~could be pretty if she lost the weight~. I’m really ready. To meet a good one. To make a family. To feel good. I joined weight watchers and I’ve been upping my activity slowly but surely.

Any additional advice as I go through this sort of transformational period? I’m thinking of stopping trying to date during this time. Just focus on making myself the kind of wife a man I’m attracted to would be proud of.