Women of all sizes know how jarring it can be when someone asks if they're expecting and aren't even pregnant. But next time it happens, we recommend taking a page out of Lena Dunham's book after the actress demonstrated the best response to answer the question which is as awkward as asking when someone is getting married.
The 30-year-old, who is known for owning her curves, posted an image of her "channelling Juliet" for the Los Angeles Review of Books on Instagram. And while many of the comments agreed that she looked downright Shakespearean in her silky grey floor-length gown, it was the odd backhanded "compliment" from a fan that resulted in Dunham's response.
"Are you expecting?" the fan commented before bookending with, "you look beautiful."
Fans were quick to jump to the Girls creator's defence labelling the question "rude" before saying "you're the body that rocks the party."
"When you feel the need to write this stuff, do you ever stop to think, Why am I doing this, would I like to read this about myself? Just wondering," another wrote.The commentator later made it clear that Dunham looked "amazing" and did not intend to be offensive with her "innocent question" after copping flak from other fans.
Dunham's response was the definition of shaking it off.
"Thank you!" she wrote. "I'm not expecting but I did enjoy a large box of gluten free crackers prior to taking this image."
The actress also noted that she was no stranger to such a question.
"It's funny," she added. "Folks have told me I looked pregnant/asked since I was 15 - I choose to embrace it as another curve like ass or boobs or hip."
For the most part fans were supportive of photo, and congratulated the actress on the way she dealt with the comment.
One empathetic user commented: "I've looked pregnant (mostly according to myself, in comparison to anything/anyone I've subjected myself to in pop culture) pretty much my entire life. But of course, as women, only we can be asked/told if/that we 'look pregnant.' And of course, seeming pregnant when not is 'bad/gross/repulsive.' Thank you for not sucking it in."
Another wrote,"You inspire me in so many ways one of which is how you own, celebrate and unapologetically embrace your body. After two babies, I have a stubborn muffin top that just ain't going to leave and I am learning to embrace it. It's a challenge for me. Thank you for the reminder and shining your true beauty that reflects all of ours."
The actress has never been one to shy away from discussing reproductive health, pregnancy and the importance of adopting body confidence. Regularly appearing naked on Girls and posing this year for a body positive lingerie campaign, Dunham also addressed in one of her Lenny Letters why she was "done with allowing herself to be photoshopped," saying the real issue is not recognising her own body anymore.
On the set of Girls as Hannah. Photo: Getty Images
Just earlier this year she also posted a throwback photo of taking pregnancy tests in a public bathroom, sending fans into a frenzy. But this was perhaps was a teaser for what is to come on the final season of her show, with the creator walking around with a pregnancy bump on the New York set.
