An influencer who has been dubbed a “whale” is sharing the ordeal faced when visiting restaurants… getting stuck in the seating.
Alex Aspasia often hits the headlines due to her body-positive attitude, where she embraces her curves no matter what.
But it’s not always easy.
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The 30-year-old, who is 6ft and 375lbs, recently filmed herself visiting two restaurants, where she was unable to fit in either of the seats and ultimately, got stuck.
She posted the “inconveniences” on TikTok, with one video racking up 1.8m views and over 27,000 likes.
“People tend to stare or even come up to me, sometimes asking to take pictures as if I’m a celebrity,” the size 26 model told What’s The Jam.
“I think they’re just shocked to see such a tall, confident woman living her life boldly – even if I’m stuck in a booth.
“As a tall and plus-size woman, I always feel a bit nervous when I go out, expecting things to be tight or a little snug.
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“That’s just the reality of being my size.
“When I saw both the chair and booth, I wasn’t really shocked – it’s something I’ve come to expect.”
In the clip, Alex films herself from different angles trying to sit in the restaurant seating booth.
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While she is able to sit down, the model is unable to shift over any further and ends up perching on the edge.
The caption reads: “Life is interesting at this size lol.”
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with bitter trolls chiming in.
One person said: “There’s more weight on that one seat right now than a mom and 4 kids filling that whole booth normally.”
“I just hope you’re living happy and healthy,” another user added.
Someone else commented: “Obesity needs to be taken seriously lol.”
“My kinda woman,” added Kenny.
Tim said: “Well, the booth is that size for a reason. No fit no eat.”
Another clip, which has racked up 684,000 views and over 16,000 likes, shows her sitting in a bar chair – which she’s unable to sit on fully.
Alex, from Miami, US, used to struggle with self-acceptance growing up.
Now, though, she’s learned to embrace her femininity, finding confidence in wearing skimpy bikinis and outfits, and hopes to spread this message to help others who may be insecure about their size, too.
However, she believes a lot more needs to be done in society to accommodate “bigger” people or those with disabilities.
She added: “I wouldn’t say I feel upset or angry – if anything, it’s just an inconvenience.
“Being big and tall means the world isn’t always made for people my size.
“So I just feel irritated.
“I wish places would be more plus-size friendly and also more accommodating to people with disabilities.
“This includes larger booths and chairs, as well as general accessibility for people who don’t fit the average mould.
“It’s easy to assume someone needs to lose weight or change themselves; but my question is, if you’re in the business of service, why not try to [make things] as comfortable as possible for a diverse range of people?
“I understand this perspective can be controversial.
“I’m often met with negative responses, with people telling me to lose weight to fit in.
“But I’m not planning on that at the moment.
“While I do wish the chairs were bigger, I’ve come to accept that many simply won’t be.
“I know my audience gets a giggle out of seeing a large, confident woman navigating these situations.
“You’re allowed to take up space and to experience happiness – even if you don’t fit the typical mould.
“Sometimes, you just have to get out there and live your best life.
“I always keep a smile on my face and enjoy myself, because I won’t let my size take away from my happiness.”
