It’s officially the holiday season, and for many of us that means eating meals with family members we don’t see all the time. For some of us, that’s a great blessing. For others, it can be a curse. Have you been subjected to inappropriate comments at the table with your extended family about your weight? Your choice of food? Or how much you’re eating? As a weight coach, I repeatedly hear  from my clients that they have family members who make comments like this. Some people come from families where the importance of appearance, and weight in particular, carries undue . . . um. . . weight! They expect everyone else to share in their obsession and superficial values. What kind of person would make comments about your weight or food choices in the first place? If you heard them called  “well-meaning” family members, think about whether that’s really true. People who purport to say these things out of love and concern for you really aren’t doing that.  You see, it really isn’t about you. It’s about them. Well-meaning people DO NOT shame others, especially people they love. Listen to learn the truth about why people do this, its effect on others, and most importantly, the eight ways you can manage this! Remember, it is no one else’s business what you choose to eat or how much you weigh. Comments about that are inappropriate. The more you are willing to speak out and advocate for yourself, the sooner these family members will stop behaving this way.