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As kids, we have received signals from day one. From the pop music stars we idolized to the Barbie dolls we played with, there was something constantly in our face to tell us what the standard was and ensure that we knew we were subpar.

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It wasn’t until I was in high school that my dad confided in me about my mother’s past with bulimia.

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As soon as I realized that what I have, in a third-world country, is something senseless, selfish and superficial, yes, but more so something praised for its self-discipline and commonalities with Mary-Kate Olsen, I stopped talking about it. I refuse to be lauded for this disorder.

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5. The sociopathic attention-seeker.

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Yes, I am a naturally thin woman. I was born this way (cue the Lady Gaga music). I am not “so lucky.” No, I am not on a weight-loss diet.