Man Snaps at MIL for Body Shaming His Wife, Gets Accused of "Taking Their Girl Away from Them"

Hearing unfavorable remarks about your appearance can affect how you feel about your body, making you feel self-conscious and anxious. Making offensive or snide remarks about someone's size or shape is known as body shaming.

In addition to "fat shaming," some may also hear hurtful comments about a specific body area, especially if they are underweight or overweight. This can lead to increased self-consciousness, as they may be unhappy with their weight or the way their body looks.

Body shaming can occur in person or virtually through the internet, particularly on social media. In fact, you can be body shamed by your parents, siblings, friends, or even strangers.

In today's story, we see a mother body-shaming her own daughter. The original poster is actually the husband of the daughter, and he wasn't going to sit back and do nothing.

OP's mother-in-law was calling his wife fat and disgusting, and he was not going to tolerate it. Immediately, the OP snapped and told his MIL to f**k off.

He also drew the line, stating that her daughter is now his wife. Thankfully, OP's father-in-law was pleased that his daughter had someone who supported her, and he thanked the OP for it.

You would think it ends there, but there's more. Find out as you read the full story below.

The OP Kicks Off His Story, and Here It Goes...

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"We Are All Dirty Mexicans, and Our First Language Is Mexican Spanish"

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As usual, the comments rolled in, and below are a bunch of them.

Building a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for addressing body shaming. A relationship expert noted that open dialogues about feelings can help partners navigate issues together.

Additionally, establishing boundaries with family members regarding comments about appearance can prevent future conflicts. Strategies include having candid conversations about how certain remarks affect emotional health and encouraging family members to express support instead of criticism. This proactive approach can significantly improve relationship dynamics.

The OP Is a Hero in This Case

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The Impact of Body Shaming

Body shaming can have profound psychological effects, as noted by Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist. Her research emphasizes that negative comments about appearance can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem.

Dr. McGonigal highlights that these feelings can create a cycle of stress and self-criticism, which may worsen body image issues. To combat these effects, she suggests fostering a culture of body positivity and encouraging open discussions about self-worth.

The OP Could Never Be Against His Wife

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This Redditor Is Super Happy with and for the OP

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The OP Is Not About to Let Anyone Talk Down to His Wife

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Many relationship experts, such as Dr. Esther Perel, emphasize the importance of healthy communication in relationships. She notes, "When a partner's family makes disparaging comments about one’s appearance, it can create significant tension and conflict." Dr. Perel advises couples to address these issues collaboratively, establishing boundaries with family members regarding acceptable communication. By presenting a united front, couples can mitigate the effects of external negativity, thereby strengthening their emotional connection within the relationship.

You Can't Be Saying Disgusting Things About OP's Wife

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The OP Went Further to Reveal This Somewhere in the Comments Section

What’s funny is my wife has cut her entire family off besides her dad. I’m the one from the broken family with multiple half-siblings and no father figure.But her dad is the one member of her family that came to our ultrasound appointment.

They Won't Be Able to Punch Down on Her Anymore

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It's Obvious OP's Wife Needs a New Family, and She's Got One

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Understanding Emotional Responses

Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, explains that emotional responses to body shaming often stem from evolutionary mechanisms designed to maintain social standing. His research indicates that humans are predisposed to react strongly to social rejection.

This reaction can be magnified in family settings, particularly where expectations and values differ. To manage these situations, Dr. Haidt recommends developing emotional resilience, which can be achieved through mindfulness practices and supportive peer networks.

OP's FIL Failed to Tell the Rest of the Family to Shut It in Time

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The OP Is Right About Him Not Being the AH in This Case

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The OP Wasn't the One Who Started the Drama

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Experts in mental health, like Dr. Tara Brach, often recommend mindfulness and self-compassion as effective strategies for overcoming body shaming. In her work, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing negative thoughts without judgment.

By practicing self-compassion, individuals can learn to replace harmful self-talk with affirming messages. This shift not only helps mitigate the emotional fallout of body shaming but also fosters a healthier self-image, promoting overall well-being.

Comments regarding your diet or the amount of food you eat, even when made as a joke, are considered body shaming. Whether deliberate or not, body shaming also includes complimenting weight loss or giving someone unsolicited advice about diets.

The OP just wanted his wife's happiness, and he wasn't about to let his MIL ruin it by putting her in a bad mood. Let us know your thoughts about this story by leaving a comment below and sharing as well.

Expert Opinion

This situation highlights a classic case of protective behavior stemming from love and loyalty. The husband’s outburst reflects a deep-seated need to defend his partner, which can be a powerful motivator in relationships. When someone we care about is attacked, especially by family, it can trigger feelings of anger and the instinct to shield them from harm, underscoring the complex dynamics of family loyalty and personal boundaries.

Ultimately, addressing body shaming requires both individual and collective efforts. Research from mental health professionals indicates that fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding can diminish the negative impacts of body image issues. According to Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, "Open communication and setting clear boundaries are essential in combating body shaming." By encouraging these practices and fostering self-compassion, individuals can build resilience against harmful remarks. Resources from experts like Dr. Brené Brown, a researcher on vulnerability and shame, emphasize that "small, consistent efforts can lead to profound changes in how people view themselves and each other."