How do you handle comments about your body from friends and family during recovery?

Many of us know the struggle of hearing comments about our bodies from friends and family during recovery. It can feel like the weight of those words adds to our already heavy load. Sometimes, we want to scream, while other times we just want to disappear. Navigating these conversations can be tricky, but we can find ways to protect our space and our healing. One thing that has helped me is setting boundaries around body talk. I’ve learned to gently let my friends and family know that I’m not in a place to discuss my body or anyone else’s. When someone brings it up, I might say something like, “I’m really focused on my recovery right now, and I’d prefer to talk about something else.” It’s not always easy, but it feels empowering to take control of the conversation, and it helps create an environment that supports my healing journey. Another approach that many of us find helpful is to practice self-compassion. When someone makes a comment, instead of letting it spiral into self-doubt, I try to remind myself that their words don’t define me. We’ve all been conditioned to focus on appearances, and sometimes those comments come from a place of care, however misguided. Acknowledging that can help soften the sting, and it allows us to separate our worth from their opinions. Connecting with others who understand what we’re going through can also make a huge difference. I found a couple of people in my life who are also in recovery, and we started talking regularly about our experiences. Having that support has been a game-changer. We share strategies for handling tough comments, and just knowing I’m not alone in this feels like a safety net. Anyone else dealing with this? Sometimes just one real conversation with someone who gets it changes everything. What’s your experience with comments about your body during recovery? How do you handle it?