6 Nov
Habits
Over the last few months I have developed two new habits. These have nothing to do with eating or exercise but they are directly related to the psychology of losing weight.
The first habit started shortly after I started wearing my wedding ring again. Five or six times a day I slide my wedding ring off my finger, just to feel how loose it is. It has gotten to the point were I do it subconsciously while I am talking to people or when I am sitting at my desk writing. I’ll be deep in thought and suddenly realize that my ring is off and twirling around in my other hand.
Having my wedding ring fit again was one of the first major symbolic victories of this journey. Sliding it on and off reassures me of how far I have come.
The other habit has a lot more to do with vanity. I find myself constantly running my had down my stomach to feel how flat it is. It’s another habit that has become subconscious. I do it all the time when I am standing in line or waiting for someone. Hopefully it looks like I am just straightening my shirt and not fondling my bely button.
Has this been the case for anyone else? What are some of the subconscious habits or ticks you have developed as the weight disappears?
Tony
11/6: 220.6 lbs.
Goal: 220 lbs.
.6 lbs. to go
Posted by Lady Rose on 06.11.07 at 10:41 am
I have gotten into the habit of looking in the full length mirror in the ladies room at work as I walk out - before I used to avoid even glancing at it.
I think my engagement ring would fit now - but I have to find it. It got packed up with a bunch of stuff when we got new bedroom furniture years ago and I haven’t found the box it’s in yet. But now that I think about it - that would be a nice wear it again.
My wedding ring was lost years ago, and I didn’t want it replaced until I could get down to the same size I was when I was married).
Posted by Rick on 06.11.07 at 10:41 am
We get so used to the self-loathing when we’re at our heaviest that I think we start to adopt that as a lifestyle. It’s ok to feel good about yourself. And, maybe that’s one of the intrinsic rewards that can motivate us to keep it off for good.
But yeah, I found myself doing that all the time right after I was at goal weight.
Posted by JanB on 06.11.07 at 10:41 am
Oh!!! I do that with my rings all the time! I was a size ten and now they practically fall off, except right when I am exercising, then they are tight as can be.
I also find myself touching my collar bone a lot and (this is weird) feeling that my bosom has become so tiny compared to what it was. I often notice some wrinkles that have formed where my double chin used to be and I smooth it out, but it comes right back. But which is worse? Wrinkles or fat? I’ll take wrinkles.
Posted by Skinny Guy on 06.11.07 at 10:41 am
Being able to wear my wedding ring again was a watershed moment in my weight loss. It really was one of the top non-scale victories I had.