People just not recognizing you
 

I work in a big organization. So big, that there are people I know quite well that I have not seen since I was 78lbs heavier.

Recently, when I have bumped into a few of these people, some are completely failing to identify me. At least two colleagues I have stood next to in an elevator at work and they said nothing because they did not realize it was me.

And to avoid embarrassment, I said nothing either.

Weird eh?

A few others have exclaimed "is that you?" in disbelief.

Awkward.

Awkward, yet strangely cool. I don't think this will ever happen to me as I live in a fairly small town, and work in a school with less than 100 staff. In some perverse way, I think I would enjoy it. Maybe I should dye my hair when I reach goal?

I had this happen once about 2 years ago. I friend of mine from high school ended up dating and marrying an old "interest" of mine. He and I were young, 15, and he was my first...but he basically ended it with me to date her.... there are no hard feelings between any of us, and I'm grateful as I could never imagine myself with anyone else but my husband...Anyway, they moved to another state and we reconnected via facebook, well mostly with her because she was my friend.

Anyway, I was fat with unmanaged hair and braces in highschool...so when my friend and her hubby came back to visit family we and some other high school friends of their (people that I really didn't know) go together.

I was almost at goal, a size 6/8, no braces of course! And I had learned how to style my hair and do make up lol. When I got the (bar) my friend's hubby (my old interest) was there (she was in another area of the bar) and I walked up and said hi.

He just looked at me like I was nuts....I smiled nervosly and then he look shocked. He said he did not recognize me at all...he looked me up and down and said until I smiled he did not know it was me...I said, I hope that's a good thing (meaning i look better?) and he said oh yes, very much...lol

It felt great, one of the best moments ever. I mean i got dressed up for the evening and stuff (when I'm normally a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl) but yeah I was not recognised...and it was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Jennifer1966:
Awkward, yet strangely cool. I don't think this will ever happen to me as I live in a fairly small town, and work in a school with less than 100 staff. In some perverse way, I think I would enjoy it. Maybe I should dye my hair when I reach goal?

^this^ I definitely think it would be cool....and somewhat amusing!

I haven't had it happen quite so drastically, but I have definitely seen people go from that glassed-over look of "I don't know who you are as I pass you in the supermarket" to full recognition and slight embarrassment. Kind of fun...

Such a great feeling, in a weird way. I spent the weekend at a roller derby tournament with multiple leagues I hadn't seen since last season and 50+lbs. It was nice being not recognized and until the realization set in...

My own brother didn't recognize me once when he passed me at work about 3/4 of the way through my journey!!

It happens to me all the time!

Jen

Awkward????? I'd say that's wonderful! I'd be doing a little hoochie dance down the hallway! They may not recognize me, but they'd sure remember me. :dizzy:

It's interesting how different people interpret the "you look so different" thing. I could see it being awkward, depending on the circumstance. Though I usually feel really awesome when I get the "Woah...is that you?" reaction from someone.

I'm still trying to get over people not recognizing me because I'm fat...and the catty ones reveling in that observation.

I had this, a guy who I know who had only seen me at my highest didn't recognize me at all. I said hi to him but he though I was just a coworker of my husband's (not sure how he didn't make the connection?). It wasn't until later that he realized who I was and apologized to my husband (I had left already by that time).

Originally Posted by SeeMyFeet:
I'm still trying to get over people not recognizing me because I'm fat...and the catty ones reveling in that observation.

Been there too!!! They sure loooove to mention it!!!!

Ian: I think it's awesome that people doesn't reconigze you! Just have fun with it!!!

Lol

I still deal with it a year and a half after hitting my original goal and it is nice to be a little incognito when I go back to my hometown. :D

This happens to me all the time. I think it can be awkward, but also kind of fun :) It really helps me realize how much work I've put in and how it's actually showing.