HEALTH

When it comes to eating in front of your crush, do you feel nervous or maybe even afraid? Do these feelings affect your appetite or make you not want to eat at all?

You're not alone—a lot of girls feel anxious when it comes to eating around guys that they like. When you are having these difficult thoughts, though, here are some things to consider:

Everyone eats.
This statement may seem obvious or silly to mention, but it’s true. It should be comforting to know that everyone needs to eat in order to survive and that includes y-o-u. Therefore, it's ok and natural to eat around others.

You aren’t judging him, so why would he judge you?
Seriously, though, you're not mean to him for eating in front of you, so why be harsh on yourself? Instead of being your biggest critic, be your biggest supporter. Your positive energy will make the date more fun for him and you.

Turn your thoughts into questions.
When you are in this situation again and you hear that little voice inside your head say something negative like, “He will think I’m fat if I eat this,” turn that thought into a question: “Will he think I’m fat if I eat this?” Then, turn that question into another question: “Why would he think I’m fat if I eat this?” That initial voice will seem more and more irrational. Ultimately, this exercise emphasizes that no one is scrutinizing you or your food, so eat and enjoy. 

If these thoughts persist, talk to a parent, teacher, or therapist. For more resources, call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline, available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m at (800)931-2237 or visit their website by clicking here.

Have you ever been embarrassed to eat in front of a guy? Share why below!

Photo credit: Pinterest.

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by Frannie Rooney | 8/13/2017