**Diary Entry**
Ive always tried not to inconvenience anyone. Yes, Im a plus-sized womanIve lived with health issues for years. To avoid drawing attention and out of courtesy to others, I always book two seats on flights. My space, my responsibility. Its not a whimits consideration, for myself and fellow passengers.
This time was no different. I settled into my two window seats, made myself comfortable, put on my headphones, and mentally prepared for the journey. Everything was calmuntil she boarded. A pretty girl. Slim waist, long legs, tight trousers, and a chic blouse. Her hair looked straight out of a shampoo advert. Everything about her screamed, *Im flawless.*
I barely noticed her, but I felt her slow down near my row. Suddenly, she scoffed and said loudly, *Ugh.*
I slowly took off one headphone. *Excuse me, were you speaking to me?*
She didnt answer, just stared at me like I was a stain on a pristine tablecloth.
*Im not sitting next to you.*
I took a deep breath. *You dont have to. These are my seats. Here are the tickets.*
*How can you let yourself look like that? Have you ever seen yourself in the mirror?*
For a moment, everything went black. Ive heard it beforeon the street, in shops, online. But never like thisright to my face, in a confined space with nowhere to escape.
*I have health conditions,* I replied calmly. *And I dont owe you an explanation.*
I turned to the window, hoping shed leave. But she didnt. Her voice rose, people started turning.
*People like you shouldnt be allowed to fly. Its unnatural!*
Inside, I was boiling. Furious. And then I did something I dont regret one bit. That girl will remember this day for a long time.
I stood, trembling, and pressed the call button. The flight attendant arrived almost instantlytall, poised, uniform crisp.
*Is everything alright?*
*No. Id like to report harassment.* I held up my tickets. *This woman is insulting me and demanding my seat.*
The attendant looked surprised at first, but seeing my calm face and shaking lips, she turned to *Miss Perfection*.
*Miss, may I see your boarding pass?*
She grimaced and handed it over. Her seat wasnt even near mineshe just refused to sit *next to someone like me.*
The attendant firmly but politely asked her to return to her seat. But the girl rolled her eyes, arguing loudly about *discrimination against slim people.* Then, something unexpected happened.
Minutes later, the purser arrived. *Miss, by the captains decision, you are being removed from this flight due to disruptive behaviour and refusal to comply with crew instructions. Please gather your belongings.*
She turned white. Shrieked. Threatened legal action. But ten minutes later, she was escorted off. The same attendant quietly approached me.
*Apologies for that incident. And thank you for keeping your composure.*
After take-off, I even received a free dessert and a note from the crew: *You are strong. And dignified. Thank you for your kindness.*
I dont seek approval. Im just tired of living by other peoples standards.
