Confessions of a plus-sized bridesmaid: Weighing In

When one of my best friends, Jenni, told me she and her boyfriend of 10 years, Dave, were finally getting married, I was so excited.

When she asked me to be a bridesmaid, I couldn't hide my joy. (I was going to look GOOD.)

When she told me we'd be wearing strapless dresses, I wanted to run screaming.

Obviously, Jenni had not met my intimate friends, turkey arms and back fat. No matter where I go, they're with me - the bottom part of my arms sagging and quivering whenever I lift them (What's that about?!?!) and my back fat (which I can't really explain) stacked on itself like some thick set of donuts.

Usually, these "problem areas" are hidden in cute, Lane Bryant shirts or blouses, safely tucked away.

Now, she wanted me to show them off. In a strapless dress. In front of everyone.

Was she mad?

Someone kill me now. Just put this fat girl out of her misery.

I'm OK. It will be all right.

However, because I love Jenni, and since she and another friend, Sam, practically saved my life in 2005 (not joking - but that's another story for another day), I sucked up my fears about showing my bare arms and poured myself into the strapless dress.

I was comforted when I discovered the dress wasn't a bad color, and that it had a wrap. I planned to keep all my secrets tucked under my wrap during the wedding. I had to part with my security blanket when the other bridesmaids decided to ditch theirs for pictures (darn them), but made out OK.

It really was OK. I was nervous. Yes, it was all on display. But it was for a good cause - my best friend's wedding.

This is me with the bride's sister, Katie, in the strapless dress. Even with my fat, I look good.