I have been out of state in my first year of university (after 2.5 years of community college at home.) I haven’t gotten to see my family since August. A bit of background, I am the first in my family to complete high school, associate’s degree, and now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. It’s also a big deal because I was very depressed about my career options in high school and finally decided to follow my dream. It is a big deal in my family, and they all claim to be very proud of me. I miss my family very very much and I am so excited to see them again.

However, all I can feel for the next 2 weeks is utter fear. Fear that the very first thing I will see when I step off the plane is a frown or a weak smile on my mother’s face because I haven’t lost any weight. I lose sleep replaying the scene I feel is 100% sure to happen within the first hour of seeing my mother again: Her making remarks about how I look exactly the same (or even bigger) or how ‘oh, what happened to eating better at school?’ or 'How much trouble did the seat belts give you?’ Anything but the most important subject of your youngest daughter successfully completing a year of university, unlike anyone else in the family, herself included.

Thin privilege is not having to fear that your disappointment of a body is a more important topic over your accomplishments and goals.