Doctor can turn weight issues into discussion tool

Posted at 12:00 AM on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009

Dear Amy: I am a 53-year-old physician, and my weight bounces up and down about 15 pounds. I am not happy about it, but I also do not want to hear about it from anyone. I see many people during my day who are, for the most part, strangers to me. I think it is extremely rude to comment on anyone's weight -- whether there is a weight gain or loss.

I usually laugh it off, but it really upsets me. Ironically, these comments usually come from people who are grossly overweight.

Am I being too sensitive?

-- Dieting Doctor

Dear Doctor: Of course you could use your own weight struggles as an opportunity to discuss healthy dieting strategies with some of your more overweight patients, but if you don't want to discuss your personal health issues, your profession has handed you not only the perfect comeback to these remarks, but also retaliation.

When someone says, "Doc, you've fallen off the snack wagon since my last checkup!" You can answer, "Fortunately, we're here to talk about you. Now, hop onto the finely calibrated scale over there so we can determine your exact weight, then give your chart a little look-see."

Dear Amy: I certainly related to "Linda's" problem with friends pontificating about their political point of view. This seems to be happening a lot lately. When my friends start spouting off, I like to ask:

1. What life experiences led you to your political view?

2. In what areas do we agree?

3. Is there anything (whomever they're pontificating against) has said or done that you approve of?

4. Has anyone ever told you that you converted him or her to your point of view?

5. Have you ever changed your mind due to something someone else said?

Most folks have never thought about these things, and it invariably leads to fascinating conversations and a lot of bridge building.

-- Paula from Fresno

Dear Paula: You are exceedingly civilized. Unfortunately, in my world, people just don't talk the way you do. I tried your technique with an opinionated family member, who let me get to question No. 2 before saying, "Amy, shut the hell up" and walking away.

Dear Amy: I've been enjoying your "worst gift" stories. I was dating a guy I hadn't known for very long, but I decided to give him a warm scarf for Christmas. He gave me a hamburger press with a cow's face on it that showed signs of prior use. I ended the relationship by New Year's Day, which ironically seemed to surprise him.

-- Not Gifted

Dear Gifted: Check out other readers' hilarious "worst gift" stories on my special Twitter page: twitter.com/santahatesme.