Being Fat

Over the last few months I have continually heard:

"Oh Amanda, you are getting so fat."
"Look how fat you are Amanda!"
"You are a little elephant on the compound."
"I saw you walking over there and you are so fat."
"Amanda, you have grown so fat."

Ugandan's like to tell you how fat you are. This is usually a compliment. To them, being fat equates with having enough food or a surplus and thus you are rich. A good thing to them. When they tell you you are fat it is a good thing to them. I have told my Ugandan friends repeatedly that American's don't like being told they are fat and that it's an insult. However, this doesn't stop them from saying it. So, I've stopped trying to explain and instead extend my thanks for their appreciation of my weight gain.

When you hear, daily, that you are fat you start to believe it. I even called my mom a few months ago and told her maybe we should order a bigger size dress for my sister's wedding. I was getting very concerned that I was growing exponentially and I had no way to measure this.

So, it was with great trepidation that I arrived home in the states and attemped to put on my favorite pair of tight jeans. I'm here to report, I have not grown fat and in reality, my jeans are loose!

I can only imagine what they will say when I get back...