On Thursday February 23rd, I headed to the check out at a grocery store. As I was checking out, the cashier asked me, "How far along are you?"
Surprised with this question, since I am not pregnant, I answered, "No, I'm not."
After ringing in a few more items she said, "No really, you're about to burst, you must be due in the spring."
I quietly told her again that no, I am not pregnant. She asked a third time before noticing that I was about to cry. She made a huge deal about apologizing, loud enough for other customers and employees to hear, then came around and hugged me while blocking me from getting by to leave, despite my obvious discomfort. I hugged her back even though I wanted to use some profanities and leave.
This is the worst thing that has happened to me since I was diagnosed with heart issues that restrict my ability to exercise and work.
To anyone reading this, I would like to remind you that you do not know the life story of strangers you come across every day. It is NEVER okay to assume a larger woman is pregnant. If you do make this mistake, quietly apologize then move on.
I have never been so embarrassed in my entire life, and this situation could have been handled better, or avoided completely.