1ke, please be a little more sensitive. You have no idea to what extent the OP’s cellulite problem is. It could very well be the worst case in human history… and here you are acting like it’s no big deal and ignore it.
I said neither to ignore it nor that it is “no big deal.” On the contrary, I think a 20 year old woman who thinks she is
hideous, who said she can *never marry *because she could *never be naked *with her spouse, is a
very big deal. She needs to see a counselor. That is **NOT **normal.
I can’t judge the OP. Neither can you. We can only go by what was said in their posts. Since you don’t know for a fact it is vanity and pride in play here, then simply point out the dangers of those sins and try and help them. If you can’t help, then don’t add to her misery by making the problem appear like it’s all in her head. She asked for what the Church’s teachings are and you have not given her any help in that area.
Please point to any post of mine that said it was vanity or pride, or a sin for that matter.
She asked for Church teaching on *elective cosmetic surgery *and I said that the fifth commandment in the Catechism
touches on it, and posted the relevant section. It by no means goes into detail or every nuance of why someone might have surgery.
I did not state she was being vain. I did not state she was prideful. And I did not state she would be committing a sin. I suggested she consult a DOCTOR. Honestly, cellulite is not something that can be treated or eliminated.
If her cellulite is truly a thorn and has been for as long as she can remember and others agree it is not normal; she has the resources to pay for a procedure without sacrificing anything; and it truly is NOT in her head, then I don’t think the Church would have a problem with it.
Which is why I told her to go see a counselor and a doctor.
Yes, if vanity is in play the Church would be against such a procedure; as well as if it costs a year’s salary to get it done and the decision is to put the rest of the family in financial hardship for personal comfort and pleasure. But I don’t see that here and I don’t see any reason to mistrust the intentions of the OP.
Am I missing something that others are privy to?
Here’s a suggestion - Sam, go to a priest you trust and explain to them what you have explained here. I’m sure you’ll go into greater detail with them, so they could give you better advice about the Church’s view on this and perhaps, if warranted, seeking professional advice as well. I think that would be the best course of action and would definitely answer your questions.
Yes, she should also see a priest. I certainly was not trying to be uncharitable, quite the opposite although clearly I offended you.
I hope she will see a priest, a counselor, **and **a doctor. “It’s all in your head” implies it’s not really a problem. That is not what I stated nor what I meant. I think she has a **real **problem, just maybe not the one she thinks it is. But, maybe it is, so that’s why I suggested she talk to a doctor.
