"I may be fat, but I beat my eating disorder"

[Thumpalumpacus]

I understand, although I think it's funny when people think that someone is somehow bigoted for not being attracted to out of shape women. I can't really help whom I find attractive, whether it comes from a social construct or not. For myself I need to date in shape women (my girlfriend is a serious athlete) Not only is everything better when you are in shape, but all my recreational activities involve being physically active. Although skinny is definitely not equal to being in shape.

No one has been called a bigot here, either.

Looks matter to me too, but they're not the most important criterion by a long shot, for me. I don't find obese or even fat women attractive physically, and that is certainly part of romantic love, so in that sense, I'm shallow, and I'll freely admit it.

On the other hand, with a pretty broad range of physiques, mentality, maturity, and emotional outlook are more important. I've met plenty of beautiful women who wouldn't catch a second glance from most men, and I've met plenty of knockouts who turn ugly as soon as they say something. Both anomalies happen to me because attitude is a deep part of sex appeal, to me.

I'm not criticizing anyone here. I'm hoping that a good discussion about social perceptions of attractiveness comes about, because I find that one of the more interesting things about people -- how tastes are shaped by environment and social milieu.

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Like I said before, my issue isn't even with the damn picture really, it's with the message she's sending out, and we're probably just going around in circles now.

Nah, I think we're in agreement about the issue of "my lifestyle is healthier now that I'm not [insert body type here]." I am not so willing to make that judgement based on a picture as you are, apparently, but no big deal.