Reddit’s “Am I the Asshole” forum often showcases some of the most bewildering tales of human behavior. Users share their experiences and inquire whether they’ve acted inappropriately; sometimes, the sheer lack of self-awareness is astounding. Today’s post, however, elicits sympathy for a young woman dealing with her father’s insensitive comments on her special day.
The man, who begins by stating, “My daughter is overweight,” describes his 19-year-old daughter, Emily, as being around 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. This places her just shy of what many might consider an “ideal” weight for her height. Regardless, it’s clear that his fixation on her weight is unhealthy.
For her birthday, he took her on a hiking trip. Notably, he felt the need to mention that his wife is “also overweight,” which adds an unnecessary layer to his narrative. During the hike, Emily expressed her discomfort with the heat, the incline, and the mosquitoes. Instead of focusing on her enjoyment, he pushed her to continue, believing she’d feel accomplished afterward.
After the hike, she wanted to stop at a Dunkin Donuts to treat herself to a donut to celebrate her day and the physical exertion she had just completed. “I said no,” he recounts, justifying that he didn’t want her to “undo” the hard work of the hike by indulging in a treat, which she claimed was only 350 calories. He argued that she would likely have cake later, which led to a sulky ride home filled with disappointment. When she told her mother, the mother sided with Emily, emphasizing that birthdays shouldn’t be about dieting.
Where do we even begin with this one?
First off, it was her birthday! A treat like a donut seems reasonable after a hike. The fact that she was capable of calculating calorie intake at her age raises concerns about her relationship with food. Emily’s comment about hiking for her father’s sake indicates that this was not a way she wished to celebrate her special day. The father’s rigid attitude is clearly more harmful than beneficial.
Fortunately, the online community has largely condemned his actions. One of the top comments reads, “Seriously, man? You made your daughter do something she didn’t enjoy on her birthday and denied her a simple treat. It’s clear you were more focused on her exercising than on spending quality time together. You’re in the wrong here.”
The father’s lack of empathy and understanding in this situation is alarming. It’s important to prioritize emotional health over strict dietary rules, especially during significant moments like birthdays. This was a missed opportunity to bond and celebrate, instead of making exercise the centerpiece of the day.
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In summary, this father’s judgmental behavior on his daughter’s birthday has not only dampened her spirits but has also raised significant concerns about her relationship with food and body image. The overwhelmingly negative feedback indicates a need for reflection on his part, promoting a healthier and more supportive family environment.