Around Christmas I realised that I had known my friend 10kgs on and off for nearly 40 years. In that time we have had a few breaks, the longest probably 2 for 3 years but we always seem to get back together.
In the past I have realised that she was not a good friend to me. In her company I was often miserable, disappointed in myself and generally dissatisfied. So I would distance myself from her, it being impossible to make a clean break, but eventually she would be out of my life and I would be myself again.
But then she would call, 'let's catch up at your sisters wedding next week or Clare's birthday party. Haven't see you for ages, let's have some fun, life's too short, what can it hurt?' Before I knew it she has insinuated herself into my life, taken control, overridden my objections and become my constant companion. The friend I love to hate.
So what changed this time? Just after Christmas she came around with her little brother Extra 2kgs. He krept in, made himself comfortable but made me feel awkward, unattractive and worse, out of control. Everybody tried to ignore him because he was so invasive and unattractive but he had come with his sister so what could I say and my other, true friends were too nice to comment.
Anyway I got brave, banned her from the house, refused to take her calls and enlisted some digital friends from around the world to watch out for her trying to come back into my life.
it has only been 8 weeks but I am feeling really good, no negatives, no kidding myself, no false friends telling me what I want to hear rather than what I should.
I have also recently made the acquaintance of and am in contact with someone called BMI 25. We haven't met yet but we are aiming to get together in early August or sooner if we can manage it. Already I can see and appreciate his healthy mindset, the positives in his character and optimism which Is rubbing off on me.
So begone 10kgs, the friend I loved to hate. You are not welcome now or in the future and this time I mean it.
ps. Watch out for for extended family, surname lbs, not to be trusted.