Lovable

There's this girl you see often.  Her skin has frequent breakouts, her hair a bit oily.  She's overweight, wears glasses, and you always see her alone.  She's not fashionable, has a bit of an overbite, and wouldn't grace the cover of a fashion magazine.

You've talked to her a few times and note that she's got a bit of a temper.  She gets moody, downright bitchy, and speaks before she thinks.  She never quite seems happy and conversations with her suggest she's aware of her sometimes gloomy disposition.

Stubborn is not the word.  You wonder if she ever really got over teenage rebellion as she's prone to digging in her heels to be contrary.  She'll go where she wants to go, not necessarily because someone tells her to.  It's her way of keeping control over some aspects of her life.

Last night the two of you really talked.  She told you about the dreams she has for herself.  She dreams of having a partner in life and children, but doubts she's pretty enough to attract anyone.  A questioning look has her talking about the number of times that men have asked her if her friend/co-worker is single.  But never have they asked about her.  After all, who would want to date a fat girl?

Her head hangs down a bit and you have to get her to look up at you before you continue the conversation.  You point out her involvement in community, charity, and hobbies.  You mention her pretty eyes and bright smile, but it's hard to pull her out of the rut she's in.

She admits she's had a hard time trusting men.  She tells a tale of being burnt in a relationship, and you can relate.  When you talk about dating, she sighs and explains that anyone she has met that she has the slightest interest in, has absolutely no interest in her. 

She attributes this to her weight and talks about how so many of her friends that are in relationships, are much more slender than she is.  Very few of her heavier friends have boyfriends or spouses.  Seeing her heavier friends in loving relationships is the only thing that keeps her believing it's possible.

It occurs to you that this person is very much in need of love; love only you can give.  You catch her eye and start telling her about all the things she can do to be happier.  You agree to go with her to the gym, help her eat healthy, and learn to re-establish trust.  You encourage her to forgive herself, and tell her that regardless of her flaws, you think she is beautiful and lovable.

The effect of these positive words has tears welling in her eyes.  She stares back at you in disbelief and a small smile graces her lips.  The tears start sliding down her cheeks as she takes in what you're telling her.  Your love for her is boundless and unconditional. 

You agree that you need to talk to her more often like this.  Help her with her fears, talk about her dreams, and share time together.  You turn to leave her, knowing she'll be better today.  Feeling good, you smile to yourself,

and turn away from the mirror.