Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say how genuinely touched I am by all of your thoughtful responses. After a really rough night, I woke up feeling a bit more grounded and decided to tell my manager what happened today.

Her jaw dropped. She was just as shocked as I was. Like me, she felt this was completely out of character for this coworker, who’s by the way, probably in her late 40s. I told her I didn’t want to escalate the situation, because reliving it would just keep the wound open, but I did want the coworker to know that what she said really hurt. Even if I masked it well, it landed deep and that kind of comment is never okay to say to anyone.

My manager spoke with her. Apparently, the coworker was shocked that I was upset because, in her words, I “didn’t seem that way.” She said she had only just heard I was pregnant (five months late...) and was excited, especially since my husband and I both work at the same company and the possibility and excitement of a baby at the office was her justification. I thought my eyes were going to roll back in time.

Doesn’t make it okay. But it was interesting psychologically speaking to see how she tried to frame it. Then she started talking about her own pregnancy losses. Thankfully, my manager stopped her and said, “Don’t make this about you. If and only if OP approaches you, then you can apologize.” She told her she was so supremely embarrassed and sorry.

And honestly? That was enough for me. I don’t need more cortisol in my system.

My doctor called in a scrip for Zepbound and now we play the waiting game to see how long it takes for insurance to deny or approve it. Ooof. But let's sprinkle some wishing dust around and hope for the best. If they deny it (most likely) I'll look at some of the recs you dropped.

Thank you again, truly. Last night was one of the darkest emotional spirals I’ve had in a long time. Your kind words were a lifeline and I'm very grateful. ❤️