It’s been a year since that incident at the bank, and each time I remember it, I feel a kinda regret for acting indifferently. However, there was a reason for that.
Read to find out.
I’d gone to carry out a transaction on a hot afternoon. The air at the banking hall was stuffy and didn’t smell great – it was the kind of environment where you’d expect people to be uncomfortable. And I was. In fact, I was hot. To make matters worse because, I wasn’t feeling my best. So I picked up a bank teller and began fanning myself with it.
Few minutes later, the operations manager stepped into the banking hall, saw me and remarked, “Why would someone be fanning herself in the banking hall? Isn’t the AC on?” he asked, loud enough for everyone to hear. He turned to the security officer. “Check the AC.” The officer checked and found it was off, so he turned it on.
He then instructed the security officer to ensure the AC remained on, and ended, "Someone can’t be fanning herself here nah, not like she even has flesh on her body.”
He said it kinda tongue-in-cheek, with a smile and facial expression that made it seem like a joke, but it was clear he made a dig - he body shamed me. I was the only one fanning herself then, so it he couldn't have been making a general statement.
Looking at the scenario, some other persons would have put up a reaction or even caused a scene, in a bid to make him take responsibility for his action, but I did no such thing. I just gave him a silent treatment. Reason: I wasn't feeling well, so needed to save my energy for better things. Moreover, the environment was stifling, even with the AC on, so all I just wanted was to finish my transaction and get out, in one piece. Lol.
I knew he wanted a reaction because I caught him still looking at me with a smirk on his face, but I didn't give him the reaction. Rather, what he got was a cold stare, a wry smile and then silence. My silence was a clap back – kinda made him feel like a fool, a jerk that he is.
I expected him to act better. Like of all the things to say to me, it's that I've got no flesh on me, when I'm very much aware of that, and equally proud of it. He actually complimented me without knowing it. Hehehe.
Well, I finished my transaction and gracefully walked out of the banking hall. And boy, I felt eyes trailing me as I exited. 😅
However, when I got back home in the evening and processed the whole incident, I had a mood swing - regret, anger for not standing up to the jerk. Maybe, if I had called him out then, or returned the serve, like asking when he would be due for delivery, it'd would have been much different. I wouldn't have felt angry.
Unfortunately, the feeling have stuck with me. Even now, when I visit the bank, I still remember the incident. The feeling of 'why didn't I react' still comes up. In fact, one day, I was waiting at the security door to enter, while he was was waiting to exit. I gave him a look – the kind that said plenty. He was surprised, wondering why I was looking at him that way.
Well, I hope that one day our paths cross again, and by then, I'd be ready....
Thank you for reading.
This post serves as my contribution to the #hive14dayschallenge, an initiative by @hivecreatorsday
Author's Photo
Still the #threadsaddict 😂
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Nobody can body shame me, I have come accept my body has it is. Fat, slim, chubby or whatever I no send you.
You did the right thing by not responding, that's the best answer for someone who doesn't know what to say at the right time.
Me wey don dey used to body shaming myself tey tey, how person own go vex me. 🤣
Thank you
!BBH
😂😂😂
That operation manager didn't try at all. He should know better than to make a remark on a woman's body size or shape.... that's disrespectful.
Or maybe it was an indirect wooing 😁
If so, sorry for him because he has lost points 😂😂😂
Don't mind the big head. Whatever he had in mind for saying that is his own cup of tea. 😂
!BBH
Lolsss
😂😂
Really well said, sometimes staying silent only makes the problem bigger.
You know, right? 😅
!BBH
I totally understand how hurting it is to be body shamed but I would suggest that you do not go for a clap back. Let the event remain in the past. He will definitely meet his match one day
I appreciate your thoughtful words. Thank you.
!BBH
You're welcome
First of all I like the part where you said you are proud of your body, you certainly should, I mean the photo of you says it all 👌
I think you did well not to react and if I were you, I wouldn't even think of giving him a reaction next time, I have a beautiful body and should take his silly remark as a compliment.
It is disappointing that you had to fan yourself with your teller for the bank to realize the air-conditioning is off but its no surprise for us in Africa.
Good attempt at the photo of the moon, it was a cloudy night like mine and not easy to get a great shot 📸
Of course I have to be. I do tell some of them who makes such remarks that it takes me some thousands of naira to maintain the body, so it's not easy. 😂
I've learnt a long time ago not to let situations like that get to me. Na slim I slim, I no kpai person. 🤣
Hmmm, this bank is even better, there are some that even struggle to put on alternative power supply when the power goes off.
Thank you. I love moon gazing and would often capture some shots in the process.
Have a great day.
!BBH