It's essential to pay attention to how your friends make you feel, especially when their comments seem to be hurtful or undermining. In this situation, it's understandable to feel hurt or insecure when your best friend makes remarks about your appearance, weight, or compares herself to you in ways that might make you feel inferior.
While some friendly banter is normal between close friends, there should be a line of respect and sensitivity not to cross into hurtful territory. It's possible that your friend might not realize the impact of her comments on you, but it's also essential for you to communicate how these remarks make you feel.
Here's what you can do:
Reflect on your feelings: Take some time to think about how her comments make you feel. Trust your instincts and emotions; if something feels hurtful or wrong, it's worth addressing.
Talk to your friend: Choose a private and calm moment to express your feelings. Let her know that you feel hurt by some of her comments, even if they are intended as jokes. Use "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory, such as "I feel hurt when you make comments about my appearance."
Set boundaries: If certain topics are off-limits or make you uncomfortable, communicate that with your friend. True friends should respect your boundaries.
Be honest: Open communication is key to resolving issues in a friendship. If your friend cares about you, she will listen to your concerns and try to understand how her words affect you.
Evaluate the friendship: Take a step back and assess the overall dynamic of your friendship. A healthy friendship should be built on mutual respect, support, and kindness. If you find that her behavior consistently hurts you, it might be worth considering whether this friendship is genuinely uplifting and positive for you.
Reach out for support: Talk to other friends or family members about the situation. Sometimes, an outside perspective can be helpful in understanding if the behavior is genuinely hurtful or just playful banter.
Remember, your feelings are valid, and it's okay to stand up for yourself and express your emotions in a constructive way. A true friend will take your feelings seriously and make an effort to be more considerate and supportive. If your friend continues to disregard your feelings or makes you feel bad about yourself, it might be worth reevaluating the nature of the friendship and whether it's ultimately healthy for you.