I have a flight soon and I'm terrified. I'm a smaller fat, 16/18, and know I have privilege b/c I can sit in cramped airline seats. But I'm still really scared of my seat mates harassing me for being fat, especially because being in flight scares me and I'll be freaking out already. Do you have any tips for reducing stress or dealing with rude people in public? I grew up in an abusive environment and confrontation often = crying fit, so I don't feel like I have any confrontation "tools."

Asked by

towermaid

You might want to look into meditative techniques or ask your doctor about a small prescription for anti-anxiety meds.

When you sit in your seat, claim it. Refuse to cramp yourself into a corner. Don’t let anyone bully you into giving it up. You deserve it. If your seatmate says anything, call for an attendant or get up and go find one so you don’t have to say it in front of them, and tell the attendant your seatmate is harassing you and you’d like to be moved if at all possible.

Personally, I also find a nice drink helps to relax me.

-MadGastronomer