Welcome Ironmaiden. Life is hard when society builds boxes that they deem the standard and acceptable. Many don't fit in the box by no fault of their own. The outsiders. They shame those outsiders and look at them as odd and not acceptable. This is wrong. I feel shame is given but we don't have to accept it. Many time ones physical shape is out of ones control. Other times it's driven by events happening around them. Everyone has to say to themselves that not everyone is educated in all maters. They don't understand the why one is over weigh or as a man developed breast, you pick the issue. It's their problem if they don't want to understand. I, we, YOU must learn we are unique and special people.
I feel it took a lot of courage to openly say how you feel. A huge step forward. Good for you!
I hope you learn that your not alone and many of us here have learned how to live with it and live a healthy life in spite of having breast. The biggest step is accepting yourself. Then what others say and think will not matter.
To shame, look at disparagingly, mock and ridicule is easy. It takes someone with strength, courage and backbone to chin up and live.
Best to ya mate. Chin up,keep talking and reading. Your not the only one dealing with appearance issues. I love me and others despite their appearance. Someone with good character is who I like to chum with.
Parity
thanks so much for your kindness and words of support. This is exactly why I joined here and just what I needed. That was an emotional day for me so I needed some time to unpack all of this. I know a lot of people have it a lot worse than me and luckily I haven't gotten the ridicule or the stares. At least not that I know of. My heart goes out to everybody that is dealing with these things I admire all of you for the way you support people and the way you handle these things.
about 10-12 years ago For awhile I got myself in the best shape I could be. I was working out and doing well. I still was not able to wear certain shirts, but I had a drawer full of shirts that I could wear with confidence and started to feel good about myself. Then I got into a car accident and got depressed, and then the pandemic happened and I was scared about employment and the future and after a year, I was in the worst shape of my life and slid backwards. and now here I am. Thanks again for everything.