Barbara, thank you so very much for sharing your experiences and personal growth. I draw so much courage and joy from your beautifully stated response. Especially your comment that "I can compromise on many things, but will no longer relinquish my bodily autonomy to please someone else." Wow.

It really is disheartening that many of us have learned to hate parts of ourselves, especially since it's something we all have in common.

Thank you for your kind words, and for being vulnerable enough to share your own personal journey. It really means the world to me that we can engage in meaningful conversation about an oft stigmatized subject matter.

I too believe that love often finds us when we least expect it. Dating is hard, and being catfished is really frustrating!

I really look up to your courage and strong sense of self. Whoever you invite into your life will be incredibly lucky. Sending you love and support!