The first time I heard of a ‘thigh gap’ I asked myself “do I have one?”. My question was answered after one quick look in the mirror. I never quite understood the desire for it. Was it because I didn’t have it or was it because no-one would ever squat down between my knees with a measuring tape to build the next record breaking (short) zipline from one wiggly thigh to another?
Like the lack of owning my very own thigh gap wasn’t enough. Soon I was the proud owner of stretch marks, combination to very confused skin, hair that never looked fluffy like those fab blowouts on magazine covers and baby fat that is a stubborn resident till date. But of course, who wouldn’t mind slightly toned thighs? Particularly for thigh-owners like me, ripping numerous jeans and pants over the years, as my thighs even overwhelmed denim, a tough fabric to tear.
I hope the world knows, it’s not just the combination of part muscle and part (the larger ratio) fat that must squeeze into a small space to loosen stitches, it’s also thick thighs constantly chafing together and rubbing fabric loose; like an ocean
eroding a cliff, that causes that ripping sound when you sit too fast. Don’t even get me started on what thigh chafing does to your inner thigh skin. It’s like a bad, dark omen. So, dump that skin lightening cream which won’t work and save your money. Maybe we could start a Chub Rub Club instead. All thigh types would be welcome of course. That slogan would work on a t-shirt too.
Some of you may have; at one point, realized that when you sit down, your thighs expand in width and look like they are pouring over the sides of your seat. Particularly in overly ripped jeans, the view looks less like denim covered thighs and more like meatloaf wrapped in delicate string. I for one have had to stop buying jeans ripped from the knee and above, as every time I sat down, they ripped even further.
Avoid body shaming, it’s damaging for everyone. Plus, it doesn’t make extra fat vanish either. Voicing your opinions is important. We all have something to say, so it should be said and it should be heard. But create the right noise, so it grabs attention and fulfills a purpose.
So, look in the mirror. Appreciate what you see, because that is who you are and that is who you will be tomorrow as well, if you have supermodel legs or KFC drumstick resembling thighs. It’s not the end of the world if you cannot get a few rays of light to shine through the minuscule space under your knickers. Learn to recognize yourself as the mirror will reflect reality, but only your mind can distort it. If you have a thigh gap, good for you. If you don’t, then remember, one of the perks of not having a thigh gap is when food falls on your lap, you can actually catch it.
