Suzannah Weiss

When people picture an eating disorder, they often imagine shocking behaviors that deviate wildly from normal eating. But our society’s definition of “normal,” especially for women, can look so similar to an eating disorder that it’s hard to tell when you’ve crossed the line between healthy and disordered eating. That's why, by following popular health advice, I became anorexic without even knowing it.

Best of all? She's just getting started.

When speaking with eating disorder victims, what not to say is as important as what to say.

I have pressured people into sex. I have had partners say they weren’t in the mood and tried to change their minds. I have sulked when they didn’t. And I did this for years without realizing it was wrong. Why? Because I’m a straight woman.

“Some of the smartest thinkers . . . are university professors, but most of them just don’t matter in today’s great debates”—or do they?

So, sex position articles, please stop imposing your useless advice on me. I already know about more positions than I’ll ever have the chance to try!

When I was first diagnosed with anorexia ten years ago, I vaguely knew that eating disorders were a feminist issue.

I was six the first time I remember sucking in my stomach.

Women — and everyone, for that matter — I invite you to join me in a new game. Instead of stooping down to sympathize when someone strays from societal body ideals, and instead of bringing others down with us when we're struggling with body image ourselves, let's all lift one another up by declaring that there's nothing wrong with what we've just eaten, how we look in a bathing suit, or what size pants we’re wearing.

One day, when you’re twice your age, you’ll write a letter to yourself with all the things no one taught you about your period