You can never predict when an ordinary day might surprise you with the unexpected. During a swim class, one mom ended up in an uncomfortable situation that was more about societal scrutiny than anything else. What should have been a fun time turned into a moment of embarrassment and self-doubt. What really happened made her want to avoid the class altogether.

Here’s what happened

My 9-year-old kid and I went to a swimming class. It was a one-on-one session with a child, an adult, and an instructor.

All the moms were wearing swim shorts and shirts, and the dads had on trunks, while I was in a two-piece swimsuit.

During the class, one of the kids pointed at me and started crying. A few parents came up to me and asked if I could wear something “less revealing” next time.

When I asked why, they said, “No one wants to see your stomach, and your stretch marks are scaring our kids.”

It was a terrible blow to my confidence. We left earlier because I couldn’t handle the stares. My kid loves the swimming classes, but I don’t want to go back there again.