If you've gone so far as to click on this article, you're probably not sure what to expect. I am writing this to back up all of the small women who are not represented in the body image conversations. How often have you seen someone slimmer than you or more toned and thought, "Wow, she is perfect?" Or maybe your friend who is smaller than you, complained about her already slim legs and you told her to stop because she is already skinny enough? I'm sure a lot of us could say yes to one, if not both, of these questions. I'm writing this to widen the conversation about body image, so I urge you to keep reading with an open mind.

When people say zero is not a size….

What? Excuse me, but I beg to differ. If I am not mistaken, zero is a size, as is double zero. Just look at American Eagle jeans, and you will learn that, yes, the size zero exists. Now, I am not sure what people are confused about. If you can buy jeans with a "0" on the size tag, then yes, it is a size. I do not understand why people feel the need to say things like this. Like, it is a size because some women are this size. I can speak for these women and say that just because they wear a small or extra-small does not affect or change the fact that that is their size and they are women. Saying this may make you feel better about being a size 2, 12, or 22, but please, think of who you are putting down when you put yourself up.

When people say that real women have curves…

Oh, this is another favorite. I guess because I'm still shaped like a 12-year-old boy, that I'm not a real woman? Awesome. I understand the confidence boost that some people will get when identifying as a "real woman" because they have bangin' curves, but have they stopped to think that some people envy those? "Fake women" like myself probably would love to be more curvy, but this isn't realistic. Striving for something that just isn't you will only lead to falling short and not feeling worthy in your own skin.

When people say that you are so skinny...and mean it as a compliment.

This is a touchy subject, because people often say things like this out of their own insecurities. Saying "I want to be skinnier" or "Ew, she's too skinny," both come with a world of hurt. Take a moment to realize that insulting yourself won't make you feel better. Also, you don't know if that girl is naturally that body shape, or even if she is that small because of an eating disorder. Realize the impact that your words have, and think twice before speaking. Telling someone that they are skinny may be taken as a compliment or an insult. Let's try beautiful. Or strong. Or gorgeous. You can say just about anything that does not either put that person down, or put yourself down. Have a little more respect for yourself and others.

I leave you with a few final words on this. You are worth far more than your weight. Don't give anyone the ability to make you feel less than or subpar because of your body. The most important thing is feeling comfortable in your own skin. Yes, it can seem impossible, but once you get there, no silly comments about size, weight, or the definition of a "real woman" can stop you from loving yourself. Have a little more respect for yourself. The more you look in the mirror and say that you are beautiful, the sooner that you'll realize that you are.