Ok first of all...I'm fully aware that not everyone in the world is interested in "building muscle", "increasing VO2 max", "getting ripped" or whatever other fitness goals there is out there. It just so happens that we live in a world where there is much to do, and many things to take interest in and there is limited time to do it in.
However...everyone knows, on some level, that the gym and becoming generally healthier and fitter is a very good thing to commit to. People must understand that a stronger person is a more useful person. It should be common sense that someone who can do HIIT or run for long distances will have more energy in general, and be less bothered about routine tasks. It should also be obvious that people who eat decent, well-balanced meals will have more focus and a better feeling in general than someone who eats crap every day.
Personally, I don't really care if I get validation from other people or not. And it's not like I'd enjoy a crowd of people watching me set a new PB. It's not like that. But what I don't get is why people have to make snide comments about the fact you go to the gym? Or the fact they try and convince you to not even bother? Or they give you advice, knowing full-well they don't know what they're talking about. Seriously...if you're not interested in lifting then just don't lift, and don't speak of it. No need to try and talk down to people who do just to make yourself feel better.
It begs the question also. If they're feeling so self-conscious around people who take their health seriously...then why don't they do something about it? If it doesn't matter to them, then why do they always bring it up? Why can't they just live and let live and let people do their own thing?
Just can't wait for the day when people accept that this is what your about and just respectfully just let you get on with it. I'm guessing that doesn't happen until you're a certain size/BF%, lol.
/rant