A Stranger’s Comments Bring Ohio Mother To Tears

Your words have the power to change a person’s day — for the better, or for the worse.

Charli Stevens knows first-hand how a stranger’s comment can affect one’s day.

One afternoon, Stevens and her 5-month-old son were out grocery shopping when a woman approached them.  For whatever reason, the woman felt compelled to rudely comment on Stevens’ outfit.  The woman’s comment left Stevens both stunned and devastated.

Stevens shared her encounter with the stranger on social media.

I’m not typically one to post too personal of things to Facebook. I contemplated posting this but feel it’s necessary to do. I went to my local Kroger real quick this morning to buy some gift tags because I’m gonna wrap some presents today. While there, I notice this woman, who was probably in her 50’s, kept staring at me. I hate when people stare but didn’t say or do anything. A couple minutes later, she came up to me and said “I think your clothes are a little too small on you.” 😳😳 Completely caught off guard and baffled and also hoping she didn’t say what I thought she said, I said, “excuse me?” And she said, “well no offense but you’re just a bit big to wear those type of clothes.” Instant tears. I didn’t know what to say. Usually I’m so quick to lash out at rude people and I’m never shy when it comes down to speaking my mind. But I froze. Froze and cried. She said, “I’m not trying to be mean but maybe just reconsider your outfit before leaving your house from now on.” She walked away and I just stood there at the cart with Grayson looking at me. I was literally crying in the middle of the Christmas aisle at Kroger. I left without buying anything and sat in my car and cried.

How are people so rude? It’s no secret that I’ve gained weight throughout life. I’ve birthed two kids so it’s bound to happen. Do I realize I’m overweight? Yes. Do I want to be smaller? Yes. But am I okay with the way I look? Yes!! Why would a complete stranger go out of their way to insult someone? What if I was severely depressed? Or what if I was constantly made fun of for my weight and that one comment from that stranger pushed me over the edge? Luckily, I’m neither of those things. But people have got to start being nice. Having common sense. Being respectful. This lady knew nothing about me. I had my 5 month old son in the cart and I am SO thankful my 4 year old wasn’t with me to witness what happened. This lady also doesn’t know that I’ve lost nearly 50 pounds from my heaviest weight before having Grayson- but apparently that’s not good enough. My clothes were tighter than what I would normally wear but so what?! It shouldn’t matter what people wear.

Please, PLEASE, have some respect for people. You never know what someone is going through or if your one little comment, snicker, stare, whatever will be enough to break someone down or push them over the edge. I’m not writing this for sympathy but just as a plea to anyone who might read this to just be nice and have respect for people. I fear for my daughter to grow up in this world. We’ve gotta set a good example for our children.

While Stevens may, as she said, not post many personal things on social media, we’re glad she shared her encounter with the world.  This is a good reminder to others to speak out of kindness — you never know someone’s story.  Kindness should always prevail.