Coworkers Insensitive Remarks Triggered My Social Isolation due to Rare Jaw Defect

AITA for avoiding eating around others due to my rare jaw defect and coworker's insensitive remarks? Colleagues weigh in on OP's decision.

Damjan

Published in Interesting
August 3, 2025

Coworkers Insensitive Remarks Triggered My Social Isolation due to Rare Jaw Defect

Are you the asshole for avoiding eating around others due to a rare jaw defect and insensitive coworker comments? Picture this: you look perfectly normal, but under the surface, a rare jaw defect makes chewing solid food a daily struggle.

That's the reality for a 28-year-old Reddit user who recently faced judgment and discomfort from a coworker named Anthony. Despite the unseen challenges, Anthony insists that visible disability is the only legitimate one, dismissing the difficulties faced by the OP.

The insensitive remarks have taken a toll, leading the OP to retreat from communal meals, opting to eat alone to avoid potential ridicule. The impact on social interactions and overall well-being is profound, leaving the OP feeling isolated and misunderstood.

The question posed to the Reddit community is whether this withdrawal from eating around others is justified given the circumstances. Reddit users have rallied around the OP, condemning Anthony's lack of empathy and supporting the decision to prioritize personal comfort and well-being.

The consensus is clear: self-care should never be up for debate, and managing one's health condition in a way that feels comfortable is not only reasonable but essential.

Original Post

So I'm (28F), and I have a rare jaw defect that makes it difficult for me to chew solid food properly. It's not visible, and I still have all my teeth, so to most people, I look fine.

However, this condition has made it challenging for me to eat normal meals, especially in social settings. Recently, a coworker, Anthony, insisted that I'm not disabled because my condition isn't visibly apparent.

He claims I'm being dramatic about my eating challenges and that I should just eat normally like everyone else. His dismissive attitude has made me feel uncomfortable and judged.

As a result of this, I've started avoiding eating around others altogether. I feel self-conscious and anxious about being judged or mocked for my difficulty with chewing.

Anthony's comments have only reinforced my decision to keep my eating habits private. Now, I find myself either skipping meals or eating alone in secluded areas to avoid any potential comments or scrutiny.

This has had a significant impact on my social interactions and overall well-being. I feel isolated and misunderstood, all because of my coworker's insensitive remarks.

So, Reddit, given the circumstances, am I the a*****e for avoiding eating around others due to my rare jaw defect and coworker's insensitive comments?