I do have a relationship with her already, and it's a loving one. It's just I cannot relate to this, and I don't know how to be supportive. I hate the things people say to me about my anxiety disorders, and I really don't want to be dumbfounded with her.

Would it be wrong for me to just say, hi honey (hug), I'm glad you are ok....blah blah blah....but then she talks about her weight...she's not fat, she's 14...but I don't want to seem insensitive, because even without an eating disorder saying to a 14 y.o. you don't look fat, this is a part of adolescence, yaddi yadda that can be walking a fine line. Sitting there pretending I don't hear what she says isn't much better either. What do I say?

I don't want to sound ignorant about this, but I am. I really love my niece, my family can be a real handful when it comes to any mental illness and they all kind of think this is some attention getting phase she is going through. I know it isn't, and I don't want her to feel any more alienated than she is.

Thanks for your help. It's much appreciated. hugs, Lisa