February is the month of love, unless of course you live in a larger body...

Then every advertisement suddenly tells you to “love yourself” by purchasing something that promises to make you smaller

Valentine’s Day capitalism and Diet Culture link arms, creating a message that says indulgence is fine as long as it is temporary and followed by repentance. Treat yourself, but only after you have "earned it"

And people in larger bodies are often erased from mainstream romance narratives or reduced to punchlines - think "Fat Monica" in Friends, Melissa McCarthy’s character in Bridesmaids & Jack Black's Shallow Hal.

Society praises self-love in theory, but grows uncomfortable when it is practiced by people who do not fit narrow beauty standards. This discomfort is magnified for women, queer folks, and Black and brown bodies, whose love stories are routinely dismissed or controlled.

And let’s be honest - the world does not need more “flattering” clothes designed to hide us. It needs less body shame disguised as concern. Loving yourself in a culture that profits from your insecurity is not indulgent. It is rebellious. It is radical.

So this February, buy the chocolate early, for yourself. Wear the outfit that makes you feel powerful rather than merely acceptable. Love is not a reward for transformation. You are already the main character, and you do not need to shrink to fit the frame.

L x

P.s. I benefit from Thin Privilege. My body gets an easier pass in ways that are unfair and deeply ingrained. I’m here to challenge the system, not pretend I’m immune to it

P.p.s. If you're anything like me, you'll be buying that V Day chocolate on 15th Feb because clearance candy is the best candy!