Nobody “lets themself go” from transforming from a young teen to a young woman. Our bodies change. Those same bodies will change again and again as time passes. While physical appearance can lead to an attraction, it is not a measure of a person’s worth. Measure by the heart. How people feel and act, not look. My recommendation? Don’t give this person’s thoughts or opinions any value. Belief of what is inside you is what matters.

I can see why you would feel caught off guard with that. I think anyone would. I think that was very rude of this person, to tell you the truth. What an awful thing to say to anyone. I agree, in that I don't think he was trying to be mean, but wow, some people just don't think. Sorry that hurt your feelings. I would feel the same. It's just not cool to say something like that. I am having wondering why he couldn't see that. That was very hurtful and uncalled for. His comment may reflect that he has issues of insecurity, himself. You deserve kindness and respect. I'm sure you're an amazing person, and one person's opinion doesn't define your worth. I do think I'd stay clear of him for a while. Maybe he'll get the hint. I sure hope so.

It was good that he apologized, though, many don't and when you tell them something like that remark kind of hurt me they get mad at you.
However ,you are correct we should be careful with our words.

Your point is a good one. Otoh, the positives from this exchange, imho, is that (1) you recognize it was part of his normal light-hearted, joking character; (2) he immediately recognized it was not being taken in a light-hearted way and apologized; and, (3) although it triggered existing insecure feelings you had, you recognized that was the bigger issue. Even the best of comedians can misread the audience and the moment.

I ran into something funny a couple months ago. Another Dave, about twenty five years younger than me, started there. We would be working beside each other every day and if they asked for David/Dave we'd both respond. So they jokingly started calling him Junior, I knew would lead to me being called senior. It made me laugh personally.

People can joke funny sometimes not knowing they have insulted you, and maybe they should know. At first I was sensitive knowing this would come, 'senior" but it's from a young woman mostly who jokes this way and I just say 'senhorita' back.

Yes, at times I say the wrong too. Never pretend that it's a joke though. That's a stage too far. Getting older one does change. At times it's the good inside you that will protect you. In my own case I throw the humor back at the person

It wasn't a joke.. he meant that you were really attractive before and you're not anymore .. it’s a backwards compliment/insult but he didn't mean it to be.. he said it without thinking out of surprise is all.. the truth hurts tho.. i refrain from telling people that “you used to be so cute” 😳 kinda rude.. but he didn't mean it.. it was pure thoughtlessness of his big mouth is all as he apologized right away realizing his mistake 😳

How rude and unkind.
I've learned never to comment on anyone's body, ever, no matter what, even if they're talking about it, at work. It's just not worth it.

It's not wise to ever comment on someone's appearance. Just don't, it will end up hurting feelings.

Those comments often come from what's been fed into us rather than what we actually observe. I bet you he said that because someone said it to him, not because it needed to be said to you.

Some people simply don't have filters. They the first thing that comes to mind without thinking about the other person.

You never joke about someones looks.

But you learned that photos don’t hide the truth about one’s appearance.

Yeah. But did you??

Not being rude but maybe you should take a look at yourself in the mirror. It could be as simple as getting a new sexy haircut and wearing different clothes

Please remember the only opinion of you that matters is yours ❤

I have a couple of friends who say stuff like that all the time. Some people have no filter, they may even be autistic.