By now you guys have probably heard about Christopher Reed and Ashley Stevens. Last month, the couple attended a wedding. Ashley caught the bouquet and someone snapped a cute picture of hersmiling while in the background, Christopher is freaking out. It’s a funny picture but that’s not why it went viral.
See, the photo was uploaded to Reddit and users took it as an opportunity to comment on Christopher’s weight and to criticise the supposed disparity in his and his girlfriend’s looks. Many people claimed that Christopher was ‘punching’.
Pissed off with all the negative attention her boyfriend was recieving, Ashley took to Facebook to defend her relationship. ‘If you have seen the comments on our photo that went viral they are pretty shallow and rude and I would advise you not to look at them. It suprises me how many people are quick to judge when they don’t even know you. Well let me just tell you, I won the jackpot with Christopher. He may not have rock hard abs like the world tells girls to want in a guy, but really, why does that even matter when you are trying to really find someone to spend the rest of your life with? He is so thoughtful and patient, he always shows me how he loves me in little ways, he is my best friend. I love him for who he is and he loves me for who I am. Understanding, loving, and hilarious, which is so rare to find these days!!’
Tearing up already? Well, get ready to feel ALL THE FEELS. Over in Australia, Sunrise, a morning telly show, used
to tell the couple’s story. In response, hundreds of couples who reckon they’re ‘mismatched’ posted underneath with pictures of themselves and their significant other and phew, tell you what guys, I’m not one to get all emotional, but pardon me if I stop to grab a tissue to wipe away these annoying eye leaks that seem to have sprung up out of nowhere.
Amy Elizabeth Shambrook
‘My partner has burns to almost 85% of her body and is the most amazing, inspirational, funny, smart, kind-hearted, loving and beautiful person I have ever met. We have just celebrated our four-year anniversary and are still going strong. It doesn’t bother me that she has scars, it only bothers me when people are rude or mean. She makes me laugh by waving at people who stare for too long. She’s awesome like that.’
Islish Williams
‘Short and sweet I like to call my boyfriend of nearly 5 years.’
Brenda Ross
‘I am overweight and not real easy on the eye, and wasted many years wondering why my hubby loves me so much, thinking he could do better, even to the point I wouldn’t go to his work dos because I felt embarrassed for him to be seen with me, he is 8yrs younger than me also. But 14 yrs later he treats me like a queen, is loving, caring and just plain beautiful on the inside and out.’
Ryan Sharp
‘My beautiful fiancee Laura. Needless to say that I am a very lucky man. Society might say why is she with him but in the end of the day if you treat a women right and with respect then she is going to love you like she loves me and why we will be married next year. Its not about looks its about compatability and we are perfect together.’
Jessie Marie
‘This is me and my partner dylan as you can see i am a very big girl and I have always felt ashamed and embarrased, always thinking he could do better. but you know what ? That was a load of crap. We have been together for almost 6 years and we love each other unconditonally. Regardless of my weight he has gone above and beyond for me and shows me every day how much he loves me. Love is a beautiful thing shared between two people that connect in a way that nobody else will understand. and i am so happy and in love and hope that others will find away to look beyond the physical aspect of oneself because in 50 years it’ll be our sense of humour and love that will keep us going.’
Sophia Wright
‘People tell my man the same. He has man boobies and a belly but I wouldn’t have him any other way. So much more to love. I love my boy more than anything.’
Ashley Ellen
‘My partner loves me for me. He calls me beautiful everyday and makes sure I don’t listen to those who put me down about my weight. People need to grow up and learn that love isn’t about what’s beautiful on the outside, but what’s beautiful inside and how much each person should treasure that.’
Michael Fisher
‘I’m 11 years older and overweight but man, I’m one lucky guy with Joel in my life.’
Lauren Bussa
‘I have always been a plus size girl. My husband maintains to this day that he loves me regardless of looks. That’s the way it should be! I pity the shallow people missing out on knowing/loving all of the people they deem to be unattractive!!’
Jade Manson
‘My dog stinks and I still love him. He thinks I’m ok. But that he could probably do better. Fair enough, I suppose.’
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
There’s An Actual Reason We All Seem To Fancy The Same People
‘I’m 25 And I’ve Never Had A Boyfriend – Why Does That Freak Everyone Out?’
Follow Jess on Twitter @Jess_Commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.