Doesn’t Everybody Want to Be Healthy?

Recently, I was talking with someone and picked up on a common judgment that I often hear that implies that adopting healthy behaviors is simple; therefore, when someone is not engaging in a healthy lifestyle, there must be a lack of desire to be healthy. She stated that people with diabetes “just don’t want to be healthy—push away from the table and get some exercise!”

I internally winced and engaged this young woman, sharing with her that I start with some basic assumptions that help me to avoid judgment. She was listening as I stated, “I believe everybody wants to be healthy.”

She rolled her eyes and I could tell I was on the verge of losing her. I persevered.

“We may not necessarily do what leads to health, but we aren’t trying to be unhealthy,” I said.

She reflexively nodded. In …