DEAR HARRIETTE: I see a man who lives in my building almost every morning when I go out for my morning walk. He is standing at the gate when I leave and standing right there when I return. I always greet him, which is fine. The other day it was a little weird. He told me he has noticed me doing my exercise and that I’m looking good. That was nice, but then he pointed at my belly and told me if I keep on walking, I will lose that too.
I didn’t ask for his comments and really thought he crossed the line. He does nothing all day but stand and watch. Never mind that he is grossly overweight. And he’s standing there watching and judging me. I didn’t like that. I didn’t say anything because I had no idea what to say. If he makes a comment like that again, what should I do? -- Crossing the Line, Bronx, New York
DEAR CROSSING THE LINE: This man is living vicariously through you. As inappropriate and awkward as it may be for you to have to see him each day and endure his watchful eye and comments, it would be great if you could brush it off. For whatever reason, he is not moving his body, and you are. You are improving your health, and he is a bystander watching you transform yourself. Take it in stride. If he talks about your body again, either ignore him or tell him in a lighthearted tone that you would prefer it if he would keep the comments to himself.