I used to be, maybe not slim but normal and I was happy with the way I looked. In the last couple of years, I gained a lot of weight, partially down to stress and mental health issues. Before I lost it all, I got pregnant. I gave birth six weeks ago. It was a difficult labour and I am just getting to the point where I feel able to exercise and I'm starting to think about losing the weight again. I feel horribly conscious of how I look, but positive I can do something about it.
My problem is, my in laws keep taking photographs of me even though I ask them not to. These pictures are then put on a family WhatsApp chat or Instagram. I see them, I feel horrible about myself all over again and I lose that positive feeling and just feel desperate and unhappy. I don't want to keep feeling like that. I keep telling them to give me more time and then I'll be happy to go on photos.
I'm not big on social media, but they all are. Everytime we see them, they take pictures of the baby which is fine. But they point the camera towards me when I am talking or not taking any notice and the pictures are always so unflattering. They are then usually uploaded or shown to friends and relatives. I move out of the way and make it clear I don't want to be photographed but they still do it. My MIL went to show me a photo to show me it wasn't so bad, I told her I didn't really want to see it, but she insisted.
If I make it clear it doesn't go on social media, they get uploaded to the family chat. They don't understand I don't want to see them. Today, we went round for a drink in the garden, I moved out of the way when they started taking pictures. Tonight, there are still two awful pictures of me on Instagram.
I've told my DP that I will not be seeing his family now until I am happy to be photographed. Its a shame. Part of me is wondering whether to let him tell them? 'She won't be coming again because you won't stop taking her photo' It might make them stop and then we can carry on as normal. But then, they will just think I am bonkers and ridiculous won't they.
AIBU?
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AIBU to refuse to see in laws because they won't stop taking my photograph?
GinWeasley · 10/08/2020 04:38
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