We tend to forget that Marilyn Monroe was not a size 2!!!

Awww...and she was RIGHT, too!

What a sweet touching thing for her to say.

Bless that young lady! Not only for noticing and caring and having a great attitude (to match yours!), but for taking the extra step to go ahead and make that known. It's not always easy to go speak up and compliment a stranger --- but boy, can it make your day!

Angels walk amongst us! And share words of truth:). Shannon thanks for sharing and how special to be able to see yourself throughvtheceyes of another:)

OMG, that wasn't a young woman. That was an angel, right there! I love finding out about beautiful people around the world, especially those that don't show up on TV because they are not considered 'heroes'.

That was an amazing woman, so insightful for her youth.

I understand the journey to body acceptance, and I totally relate. You are beautiful, and you deserve to take care of yourself.

I sometimes feel like companies try to steal our beauty and sell it back to us at a profit. After all, with photoshop, no one looks like the models, not even the models!

Boo-hoo! Crying here too. I'm so glad the two of you were at the same place at the same time. Big hugs, Shannon!

Thanks for sharing this story ! It is wonderful. What fabulous young woman recognizing a fabulous woman and what makes her look fab. And it not the length of the belt.

Isn't it amazing how wrong we just are about ourselves sometimes ?

What is so wonderful about this exchange is that this woman wasn't even looking at your body. What she admired was your execution in putting yourself together. THAT it is what stood out and made her notice you.

Now, the lesson in this is, Shannon, don't show too much emotion in public because you are being watched by your admirers. So be careful ! ; )

Shannon, this story is the most touching thing I've heard in a long time. Thanks for sharing! And yes, you look, and ARE, fabulous!

I don't know if you read that thread I started a few days ago about going to Christmas parties and not paying all that much attention to people's clothing, but it holds true for bodies as well as clothes. http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....hes-really

I didn't notice anyone's shape any more than I noticed what they were wearing. I did pick up on who looked stylish, though. Anyway, my point is, I think we judge ourselves much more harshly than other people do when it comes to our bodies. A person's shape is just her shape, and how attractive and stylish she is has little to do with her shape, in my opinion.

What a heartwarming story! Shannon, you ARE fab and don't ever forget it! We are our own worst critics. I have always admired your killer style!

Another great reminder about the power of a kind word to a stranger!

Thank you for sharing this story Shannon. What a great affirmation to carry you into the new year and to remind us to be kind to ourselves and others.

Of course I agree with everything the young woman said to you Shannon, and am so impressed that she had the thoughtfulness, confidence, and graciousness to say it to you at her young (and often insecure) age.

Shannon, she was so right!

I am several sizes smaller than you, but I have my own body issues, namely: I have tried on countless Nordstrom Petite pieces and have repeatedly asked myself, "Now, why can't I look as good as Shannon in this?" Or, "If only I had Shannon's longer, prettier legs with those nice tapered ankles!" Or, "Will I ever have great style like Shannon?"

I think I am getting better with body acceptance. I will turn 60 this year, so have gotten beyond expecting myself to have the body I had when I was half this age!