My step-mom has been really supportive of our running and she and my dad came to the last two races to support us, which means a lot to me. I think she's feeling inspired because she's been talking about starting walking then a C25k program. I asked her to walk the last race with us and my dad made some snide comment about needing an ambulance for her to finish. Then she mentioned to her mom about training for a 5k this summer (still MONTHS away) and her mom replied something about arranging long term care for her if she has a stroke. I don't understand why people would say these things? They are family and supposed to love and support you. Why would you even joke about things like that? She is working up the courage to work on making life changes to become healthier and needs and deserves everyone's support. I'm doing my best to offer support and encouragement and I hope she will follow through and work on her fitness in spite of the naysayers. If I can do this, anyone can and I hope she believes in herself enough to overcome the negativity.
I've seen it on a messageboard I frequent also, where husbands use "tough love" to try to motivate their wives (which, FYI only has the opposite effect) and have experienced it first hand from my ex-husband. I am so lucky to have met my husband, M. He is the most supportive and caring person I've ever known and being his wife is a privilege.
Okay, off my soapbox for now.
I am sorry they are so unsupportive. I have learned that the people that make comments like that try to put you down because they know/think that they themselves can't do what you are doing. My sister has been very negative towards me about running and triathlons. She was there when I ran my marathon last year and I joked around with my husband that my finish line photo would be me flipping her the finger!
ReplyDeleteHugz. I'm so sorry hun. People say hurtful things sometimes without meaning to, just trying to be funny.
ReplyDeletehugz.