AITA for expressing love for my husbands new look?

"AITA for telling my husband I like his new look? Find out why my compliment backfired and how I helped him feel confident again. #supportivepartner"

Damjan

Published in Interesting
17 Nov 2025

AITA for expressing love for my husbands new look?

In the world of relationships, communication can often be a tricky tightrope to walk. Take the case of a 30-year-old woman who recently shared her experience on Reddit, where she candidly admitted to her husband that she actually enjoys his body as it is now - a body that has changed significantly since their early dating days.

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Once a fitness enthusiast with a sculpted physique, her husband has gained weight after having children and transitioning to a desk job, leading to feelings of insecurity about his appearance. What she intended as a compliment - expressing her affection for his “dad bod” - unintentionally struck a nerve, leaving him feeling hurt and self-conscious.

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As the conversation unfolded, she realized her choice of words may have been poorly articulated, prompting her to seek advice on how to apologize effectively while preserving her husband's self-esteem. This Reddit thread opens up a broader discussion about body image, communication in relationships, and the fine line between expressing attraction and inadvertently triggering insecurities.

As you dive into the comments, consider how language shapes our perceptions and the ways we can better support our partners through their own struggles with body image. How do we navigate these delicate conversations while ensuring our intentions are understood?

Share your thoughts and insights below!

Original Post

So I (30f) have always been into staying fit and working out, it’s just my hobby. And my husband (31m) was super into that when we got married and when we dated.

He was super built which I loved but ever since kids and desk job he has put on a big beer belly.( used to weigh 180 now 250) but here’s the thing, I don’t hate it, I love it. It’s comfy and warm and i like having a lil more to grab on to.

Hes still handsome still has really big arms he just has a belly and butt, which I’m into. But basically last night he said he felt bad that he’s heavy and I’m skinny(120 average) basically long story short I told him I’m “into bigger bellies”.

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Now I realize that sounds mean but I didn’t mean it like that. I was tired.

But he got mad and is still hurt so how should I apologize. And AITA Update: I just told him that I didn’t mean it like that and that whether he wants to keep his dad bod or lose it that I always will find him extremely attractive(true) and I’m sorry.

He said he feels better abt how it and that he just felt a little hurt. But he also said he feels a lil more confident now that I expressed my emotions.

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He’s gonna lose a few pounds but jokingly said he want obliterate it lol. Ty and I’ll give more updates if anything happens.