HOT SEAT
I’m plus-size & always ask for better chairs in restaurants as they cut into my thighs, people say I’m being hard work
A PLUS-SIZE TRAVELLER has come under fire for being 'hard work' after revealing she asks for better chairs in restaurants.
Kirsty Leanne, 29, from Shropshire, was slammed online for documenting the moment she asked restaurant staff for a bigger chair to sit on while dining out.
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In a recent post shared to her TikTok account, @kirstyleannetravels, Kirsty shared a clip of herself perched uncomfortably on a chair at a restaurant in Ibiza.
she then asked a member of staff to swap it for a larger seat.
Kirsty told NeedToKnow.online: "“The first day we went down for breakfast, I sat down on the chair and felt instantly uncomfortable.
“It was a decent size but was awkwardly shaped in the sense it had legs that raised higher than the seat itself.
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“This meant they dug into my thighs and it was incredibly painful to sit on. I tried to manoeuvre but there was no way I could sit comfortably."
Kirsty added that she could see bigger chairs at other tables that weren't in use and asked a member of staff is she could switch them.
The staff were incredibly accommodating and even started to switch the chairs when Kirsty came to the restaurant before having to say anything.
She continued: "They were incredibly apologetic, even though I told them they didn’t need to be and brought over one of the other chairs right away.
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“Two of them helped so it was super seamless as one person took the chair that was uncomfortable and the other person put the new one in its place.
“There was no fuss made over me asking and it felt so refreshing to be helped, no questions asked.
“Every single day from then when I went down to breakfast they changed the chairs for me before I’d even sat down.
“I get a little nervous when it comes to asking but over the years it definitely got easier. My main worry is always what those around me will think, rather than what the staff think.
“I’ve learnt to push it to the back of my mind as much as possible, but there are still moments where I catch myself worrying.”
Kirsty shared the clip on TikTok in a bid to encourage other people to advocate for themselves and their comfort but not everyone agreed.
The now viral clip, attracted a range of opinions with some praising her for speaking up and others saying she being 'hard work.'
One person said: “A LITTLE more space? WDYM you needed like a whole rulers length more.”
“If you don’t get this wake-up call it’s over,” another user commented.
Someone else said: “If this ain’t a sign what is," and another critic wrote: “That’s definitely embarrassing.”
One person added that she had “violated” the first chair.
However, other viewers were sympathetic to Kirsty, with one adding: "Whatever the size, them chairs look terribly uncomfortable! you deserve all the comfort you need!”
“Yes!!! Exactly, advocate for yourself and your comfort. Everyone should enjoy their vacay,” another user agreed.
“Yes, you deserve comfort no matter your size,” another user commented.
Another person added: “Honestly, I hate how uncomfortable those chairs at most restaurants are, even for skinny people. They make them that way on purpose.”
Despite the mixed opinions, Kirsty is determined to share her message of advocating for yourself.
She said: "I knew that it would resonate with a lot of people so I’m really happy that it helped those that may struggle to advocate for themselves in situations like this.
“Of course, there are also a lot of people that commented negatively, which didn’t surprise me in the slightest. What I don’t think they understand is that fat people exist, and we’re allowed to go outside.
“If something isn’t comfortable for us, the best thing we can do is become an advocate for ourselves. It affects them in no way at all, yet they still feel the need to comment on it.
“Thankfully my content isn’t for these people and is instead aimed at those who may need to hear a message like this one.
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“I think sometimes, people forget that they can advocate for themselves in this way. There’s a lot of shame that comes with it and seeing that others are able to do it may help them realise that they can ask too.
“Even if it helps just one person, it makes me incredibly happy to know that I’m giving people the confidence to advocate for their comfort (and safety) when needed.”
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