Really want to swim in my pool but I won’t

I live next to a busy main road and have just had my small, with fast lane, above ground pool installed. I've been in it 26 of the last 30 days and it is my best purchase ever. I'm a size 20, having gone up from a size 12 8 years ago due to medical issues meaning I can't run or do other standing exercise.
I do have a privacy fence next to the road, and bushes, but I realised that doesn't stop people on the many double decker buses that go past seeing me. If I'm lying in the pool after my 20 minutes non stop swim and see someone looking now, I just smile and wave! And sometimes they wave back!

I went on a school trip at the end of term, which involved a trip to a lake. I knew everyone was going into the lake, but I nearly made myself sick, worrying about going in with all those teenagers. On the day I wore sports shorts over my swimming costume, with a T shirt. No one batted an eyelid. We all swam and had a great time. I didn’t stay in long, but I did it! And the kids really appreciated it.

Other people can be safely ignored, as they are very much more concerned about how they look than how you look. Wear what you like and take the plunge!

Girl!!!! What are you doing???

Get 👏 in 👏 that 👏 pool

I'm size 16 it it isn't really that bad, it is larger end of wider normal (especially for taller women). Find bikini /swimming costume which is right size for you and do it.

I use colourful bikini top from specialist bra shop so it really fits and black high-waist swimming shorts. Noone cares.

It's up to you if you purchase a pool then choose not to use it. Nobody is staring or perving on you.

Just enjoy it. Or don't. But don't make a bog deal about not going in or other people wanting to and doing so.

Yes I totally understand how that feels. But this is the only body you’ve got so be nice to it. Let it chill out in the cool water. Think voluptuous mermaid.

I'm a size 22 and I'd be in there like a shot and I wouldn't give one even if the neighbours climbed the fence with a harpoon to sort out the beached whale! Honestly no one is bothered have fun with your dd!!

Wear a swimsuit, not bikini and bloody get in the pool!

The key is a 50s style bikini. Big shorts to cover any bulgy bits around the bottom, lots of support up top to make the most of your boobs. Honestly, it’s made a huge difference to my confidence in the pool. I waddle down the garden with my walking sticks and clamber in in a very undignified fashion. No one can see you properly once you’re in the water anyway. I float about on a nice pool hammock with a pina colada (I’ve just realised how easy they are to make). Get in the pool, I promise you won’t regret it.

I dream of being only a size 16, but I go swimming in a public pool. Just get out there and enjoy yourself, OP.

Google doesn't know everything.

Exactly the same. Stayed out of the pool on our last holiday. Holiday was amazing but my daughter begged me to go in every day. It was the thought of it that put me off. Once in I was less inhibited. My auntie once said to me, one day you’ll look back on the person you are today and think I was fantastic, why did I not just let myself go. Try and channel her when I’m feeling self conscious.the mother guilt is inhibiting. X

Get in the pool! Don't pass on your self-consciousness to your DD. Nobody else will care what you look like (but I'm sure you look fine anyway).

Please don't spend your life not doing things you want to do because of the way you look.

Do you really think at your funeral people will mention that you're a size 16? No. They'll mention your sense of humour, your kindness, your love of fun. Concentrate on THOSE things!

Google says:

"The correct spelling is no one. The term "noone" is incorrect."

Agreed. Also makes me look quite sporty 😅

I hate the tyranny of the bikini line. I refuse to follow it.

If it’s your own pool you could just go in wearing shorts and a rash vest. What’s the problem?

I live in the middle of London, overlooked by houses on every side. I have a small above ground pool. I'm also a size 16, carry it all on my belly and ass!

I get in the pool whenever I want! I have one of those tankini/swimskirt sets. I wear a light gown over the top and slip it off as I get in. More from a modesty perspective than from a size perspective.

Honestly just do it. I can 100% promise you that no one cares. Most people won't even notice and if they do, they won't give it a second thought. The first time is daunting but once you've done that, it will get easier. Have fun with your DD, it will mean a lot to her.

I used to be like you. And despite all my worrying, I got fatter at the same time.

Then, one day, dunno why, I just thought, fuck it. I am fat. I know other fat people and whether I like them or not, whether I think they're 'good people' - it all depends on who they are. It doesn't seem fair to hold myself to ridiculous standards that I don't apply to everyone.

I am fat. I swim. I wear leggings. I'm still a worthy person. My kids, my parents, my lover, they like me. Chunky n all. I have value. No one cares enough to do what? Think 'omg shes so fat?" It's not gonna be a surprise to anyone is it

If you are fat, you're fat. So what? So fucking what?

And at a large size 16, you sound more like a curvy average than fat.

I understand. I haven't got my own pool or live abroad unfortunately but I do get very self conscious on holiday when having to wear a bathing suit, I wear a swim dress to hide bum etc. I'm not huge just a 14 but have always been very slim in the past yet even then I was self conscious so it's just been there. I'd love to be confident but I'm not. I do care less now I'm older though somehow. Like other have said just do it noone will be watching easy to say I know but you will feel so much better after I did on my last holiday.

I'm size 22, you wouldn't stop me. No one looks or cares.

Size 16 is a completely average body size, noone will look twice or care. Xx Enjoy your pool, I am extremely envious! 😅

I haven't got my glasses on and every time someone has written "get in the pool!" it's looked like "get in the poo!!"