I’ve always tried not to trouble anyone. Yes, I’m a plus-size woman — I have my own health problems, and I’ve been living with them for years. But to avoid paying attention or leading to discomfort, I always buy two plane tickets. My space — my responsibility. It’s not a luxury, it’s a matter of respect for myself and for others.

That’s what I did this time too.

I took my seat — two seats by the window — settled in, put on my headphones, and mentally set up for the flight. Everything was normal until she boarded. A stunning girl. Slim, narrow waist, long legs, tight pants and a light top. Shampoo-commercial hair. Everything about her yelled: I’m perfect.

I didn’t draw her much attention, but I felt her slow down next to me. Then immediately she mocked and said sharply:

“Ugh.”

I slowly departed one headphone.

“Excuse me, are you talking to me?”

She didn’t answer — just looked at me like I was a stain on an otherwise spotless surface.

“I’m not sitting next to you.”

I took a deep breath.

“You don’t have to. These are my seats — both of them. Here are the tickets.”

“How can someone let themselves go like this? Have you seen yourself in a mirror?”

For a second, everything became dark. I’d heard this before — on the street, in stores, online. But never like this — in person, face to face, tangled in a closed space.

“I have health issues,” I said calmly.

“And I don’t owe you any clarification.”

I turned to the window, hoping she’d leave. But she didn’t stop. Her voice developed louder. Passengers began turning around.

“People like you shouldn’t even be flying. It’s unnatural!”

I was boiling inside. Furious. And then — I did something I don’t regret at all  That girl will remember this day for a long time.

I stood up, fingers shaking, and pressed the call button. A flight attendant arrived almost promptly — tall, confident, in uniform.

“Is something wrong?”

“Yes. I’d like to report harass:ment and verbal ab:use.” I showed my two tickets. “This girl is offending me and requesting my seat.”

At first the attendant looked amazed, but then she saw my calmness and trembling lips and turned to “perfection.”

“Ma’am, may I see your ticket please?”

The girl curled her lip and handed it over. Her seat wasn’t even next to mine. It was in another row. She simply had to say she “wasn’t going to sit next to someone like me.”

The attendant strongly but courteously asked her to go to her assigned seat. The girl rolled her eyes, started arguing, and loudly complained about “discrimination against slim people.” And then, something occured I didn’t predict at all.

A few minutes later, the head flight attendant came over and said:

“Ma’am, by the captain’s decision, you are being asked to leave the aircraft because of misconduct and failure toabide by crew instructions. Please gather your belongings.”

She became pale. Muttered. Threatened to file complaints. But 10 minutes later, she was escorted off the plane. The same flight attendant came to me and quietly said:

“We’re sorry for this incident. And thank you for your composure.”

After takeoff, they brought me a free dessert and a note from the crew: You are strong. And worthy. Thank you for your kindness.

I’m not finding approval. I’m just tired of living by other people’s standards.