As the festive season rolls in, reunions are about to knock on your doorstep once again. Families gather, and members from abroad fly thousands of miles to join in on the celebrations, sharing greetings and thanksgiving with loved ones. It’s a special time to reconnect with family and friends, but for many Filipinos, reunions can be a double-edged sword—filled with warmth, yet also with unsolicited comments and questions.
If you're wondering how to handle the classic "Uy, tumaba ka"—that all-too-common body-shaming comment about weight gain at Filipino gatherings—Reddit users have shared some fresh takes and witty comebacks. Here’s how you can keep things lighthearted and handle those comments with ease.
How To Respond To Body-Shaming Comments According To Reddit Users
1. The Savage Comeback
Weight gain often gets tied to eating "too much," so Reddit users have come up with witty, slightly savage comebacks to turn these unsolicited comments to your advantage. Phrases like "Dukha lang ang pumapayat," "Alam nyo na, 'di affected ng tumataas na bilihin," or "May pang kain na kasi ako ngayon," strike a balance of humor and confidence.
This approach not only hints that the comments are unwelcome but cleverly flips the narrative. After all, being able to "afford" to gain weight in this economy is an achievement! As Filipinos say, "'Pag inggit, pikit."
2. Fight Fire With Fire
Ever heard of reverse psychology? That's what some Reddit users suggest (take the advice at your own risk pls!). Since the comment is petty, some users believe that the only way to counter this is to be your own petty as well.
"Kung petty lang ang usapan fight fire with fire. Personalized mo yung reply kada kamag-anak para hindi ka na guluhin. Look for disappointments in their life tapos kamustahin mo," Reddit user shared.
The user cited examples like asking about their children who may not have graduated, spent years slacking off, or had children young. Another approach is to bring up past ventures—perhaps a business that failed, a loan they still owe another family member, or plans that didn't pan out.
And if you want to dig even deeper, you could comment on their current living situation or job. Try a line like, "Are you still living in that place with the noisy neighbors?" or "Still in the same job?" These responses may remind them that their comments aren’t welcome and help set boundaries for future reunions according to the user.
3. For the Clapback Queen
Ignorance is bliss and it remains a mystery how some people feel entitled to comment on someone else's body, not recognizing that everyone experiences changes, including them. Some Reddit users recommend turning this into a clapback, making them aware that we all face our own physical challenges.
One user suggested, "Nasa genes na po siguro, parang kayo lang rin." Another shared a more direct approach: "Uy tita, mukhang need nyo na gumamit ng moisturizer, dami nyo na wrinkles sa mukha."
4. Kill 'Em With Kindness
Sometimes, no matter how tempting it is to project our anger or get savage in response to comments about our bodies, it's still often better to take the high road with kindness, grace, and mindfulness. If family members have the audacity to speak so bluntly, then it's equally valid to address the issue directly and openly. This could even be a chance to share your personal advocacy and perhaps help shift their mindset. After all, it's 2024, and it's about time we start celebrating all bodies, no matter their shape or size.
Unsolicited Comments During Reunions Should Stop
It seems that for many Filipinos, this experience has become almost universal—and Reddit users have shared a range of responses depending on the "character" you want to channel in responding to unsolicited comments about someone's body.
You could go for the savage, "chaotic good" response. You might also choose to be nonchalant and simply brush it off. Or, you could take the "very demure, very mindful" approach. But no matter how you respond, the truth is that being a close relative or family member should never justify commenting on someone's body—especially if that person is facing a challenge you're not helping solve.
