Hungry Woman Polishes Off Giant Steak And Dessert In Front Of Disapproving MIL Who Says No Woman Should Eat That Much
"My favorite part is OP eating the steak AND ordering dessert."
It was a triumph for women everywhere when a 27-year-old devoured every bit of her giant steak after being told by her food-policing mother-in-law that it was excessive to do so. This habit of her MIL caused a contentious relationship between them.
OP requires large meals because of her labor-intensive job. She works with horses and regularly burns up to 3,000 calories per day. Besides, a fast metabolism runs in her family. Knowing all this, her MIL still snarks about how OP eats.
Things got heated when OP and her husband were invited by his family to dinner. OP had a busy day at work and hadn't eaten anything since she left home that morning.
She also didn't grab a snack before heading to the restaurant. She typically eats a snack before meeting her MIL to avoid any food-related sermons.
Her MIL had a lot to say about OP's large steak with prawns, bacon, and two sides during that family dinner. That particular dish was meant for two people.
MIL cautioned OP against her choice, saying that even her husband wouldn't be able to finish the meal.
OP smiled as she explained to her MIL that she was ravenous because she hadn't eaten all day. She could also take her leftovers home if the steak proved too much.
OP ate the steak easily and was waiting for her dessert when her MIL started her tirade.
u/DragonflySouth4310She accused OP of attention-seeking. MIL said her husband and son were uncomfortable.
u/DragonflySouth4310Something must be wrong with OP, she said, because no woman should eat that much.
u/DragonflySouth4310
The Social Psychology of Eating and Gender Norms
Dr. Jennifer Moore, a social psychologist, explains that societal norms often dictate how women are perceived when it comes to food consumption.
In this case, the mother-in-law's disapproval reflects traditional expectations about femininity and eating behaviors, which can profoundly affect women's self-image.
Research suggests that societal pressures surrounding body image can lead to severe psychological consequences, including disordered eating patterns.
OP refused when her MIL demanded that OP and her husband cover the bill. OP reminded her MIL of her expensive orders, which cost more than her steak. Her husband is on her side, but his family has been sending OP articles about excessive eating.
u/DragonflySouth4310
OP explained what they usually did with the bill and why she balked when MIL asked her to cover the entire tab.
DragonflySouth4310
Redditors weren't too happy with OP's husband. They said he should have intervened.
Texmaryfornia, DragonflySouth4310
Studies in the Journal of Health Psychology indicate that women's eating habits are often scrutinized more than men's, leading to internalized stigma and shame.
This dynamic illustrates the need for increased awareness around gendered expectations and their psychological impacts.
Understanding these pressures can empower women to embrace their choices without fear of judgment.
He shouldn't have allowed his mom to disparage OP to the point where she eats before meeting them to avoid any comments about how she eats.
Traditional_Fun7712
OP doubted how she behaved at that dinner after the messages and social media posts her husband's family wrote about her.
Kris82868, DragonflySouth4310
The misogyny is coming from inside the building. MIL needs to learn about boundaries and stop mentally calculating OP's caloric intake.
WikkidWitchly
Strategies for Navigating Food-Related Conflicts
To address conflicts around food consumption, experts recommend fostering open discussions about personal choices and preferences.
Practicing assertiveness can help individuals express their needs without succumbing to external pressures.
Moreover, creating a supportive environment where family members can feel safe discussing their food choices can alleviate tensions and promote understanding.
These strategies can enhance family dynamics and lead to healthier relationships with food.
That last bite wouldn't have tasted as good with MIL's face in view.
JoeyShabadoo79
In an alternate universe, this would have been their exchange.
crack_crack9000, Reddit
People like OP's MIL would be enough to spoil anyone's appetite.
Reddit, Orangewithblue
If the social media posts and messages don't stop, OP can use this comment as her default reply.
HappySummerBreeze
OP ate a gigantic serving of steak, sides, and a delicious dessert to prove her misogynistic MIL wrong. Her husband's mom wouldn't have choked on her food if she had left what was on OP's plate alone.
Is it possible that her MIL was still hungry? Could that be the reason why she got so upset at how much OP enjoyed the steak, sides, and dessert she had for dinner?
Psychological Analysis
This incident highlights the societal pressures women face regarding their eating habits and body image.
Understanding these dynamics can help individuals navigate food-related conflicts with greater confidence and assertiveness.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Food consumption can evoke strong emotional responses, particularly in families shaped by traditional gender norms.
Research underscores the importance of fostering open discussions around food choices to promote understanding and reduce conflict.
Ultimately, these strategies can lead to a healthier relationship with food and improved family dynamics.
