epilogue
CURVY FITNESS INSTAGRAMMER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST BODY-SHAMERS, INSPIRING WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD
In August, fitness Instagrammer Crystal Chen posted a sweet photo with her new boyfriend, Scott Ritchie, who happens to have a six-pack. What Crystal didn’t expect was the onslaught of backlash that followed.
“The vast majority of the comments were nothing but loving and supportive. But I had to sift through a lot of awful messages. Some said Scott was only with me for my money, or that he was cheating on me,” she tells BuzzFeed News.
Chen moves on to say, “I’m human. I felt guilty letting the haters affect me, because I had just launched my Size Positive platform which preached self-love, no matter your body type, race, or ability.
“The truth is, I no longer use terms like ‘body positivity’ and ‘self-love.’ Instead, I now use ‘body respect’ and ‘self-acceptance.’ Why? Because loving yourself ALL THE TIME is unrealistic. We all have days where we doubt ourselves. And that’s when we need to focus on acceptance and respect for ourselves, not hate or love. I can love my body and still have moments of doubt without feeling guilty about it. I’m sick of being ‘too fat’ for society, and then demonized if I don’t ‘love myself anyway.’ It’s an unhealthy cycle, and it took this experience to see it.
“Scott received a lot of hate too after the photo was posted. Messages from people telling him he could do better, calling him a ‘chubby chaser.’ He also got praised for ‘seeing my beauty’ beyond size. It’s a nice sentiment, but he loves my body. He tells me I’m beautiful even when I’m a sweaty mess at the gym, or when I’ve just woken up. And I love him even more for it. And the best part: I know it’s true. I’ve always known it.
“It’s easy to say ‘Oh, the haters are just jealous and miserable.’ Maybe that’s true. It’s a shame people can’t see beyond size, or color, or class. And it’s taken time to realize that I can’t single-handedly change people’s minds.”
Crystal goes on to express hope that her story will inspire others. “I want everyone who doesn’t conform to mainstream beauty standards to know that they are worthy of an epic love story too. We all are.”
*Editor’s note: Since conducting this interview, Chen made the announcement to her now 650,000 followers that she and Ritchie are engaged, set to be married next spring. For shots of the intimate proposal and custom ring, be sure to visit her Instagram account.
8:34 P.M.—INSTAGRAM POST: “DOES THIS RING MAKE ME LOOK ENGAGED?” BY CURVYFITNESSCRYSTAL:
Today started off like most normal days. My pup, Albus, tried to hump my leg as I interpretive danced around my kitchen to “Soulmate” by Lizzo (your new anthem, you’re welcome). Then, Scott and I went to the gym for leg day.
After my workout, I started filming a tutorial on hip thrusters. Mid-video (which was going flawlessly), Scott randomly intruded into my shot with a funny smile. I promptly scolded him for tarnishing my video (historically, this is his modus operandi when he wants to aggravate me). I was about to threaten legal action, but then he got down on one knee and busted out a ring.
He said a million amazingly sweet words (swipe to see the video). Apparently, he stressed beforehand, thinking maybe he should do something more elaborate. But it was perfect. It was so completely us.
After I said (shrieked) YES, both our families burst out of the back room of the gym, where they’d been impatiently hiding out for over an hour. I think this will go down as one of the happiest moments of my life. So far.
Crystal
Comment by Melanie_inthecity: I am deceased. MY BABIES ARE ENGAGED!!! *breathes into paper bag*
Comment by BostonKelly89: That ring is stunning. I am so so happy for you girl. Meet me in Fiji for your honeymoon
Comment by Samantha_Tay1991: OMG that video tho . . . he loves you so much. You’re meant for each other!
Comment by FairyDustWeddings: DM us for wedding collabs! Xo
Comment by Ritchie_Scotty7: You’re so beautiful. Inside and out. I will never stop trying to outdo that moment just to see you smile. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, until we’re 90 in matching tracksuits at the gym. I love you forever, Crys.