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Boyfriend pressuring me to change my body and appearance

75 replies

MeganBoo · 13/04/2026 18:59

Hi all…bit of an insight to the main point. I’m underweight due to not eating properly (a problem I’ve had for years) doctor said I may have an underlying eating disorder. I’m not sure what it is but my mental health is very bad to the point I’m not working and struggle to get out the house, I guess that affects my eating by lack of motivation etc. I’m very insecure about my weight I struggle to look at myself in mirrors and feel ugly in my clothes…I would love to gain the weight I use to have back and I know the only way that’ll happen is if I eat but unfortunately it’s not that easy for me. Also just to add I’m considered vulnerable and have gotten into a lot of abusive/controlling relationships where people take advantage of me.

Anyways, last week my boyfriend said I should start working out…he said it’ll give me something to do and that it’ll make my health better (I think he suddenly wants a girl who works out). I’ve never been someone into going to the gym/working out and considering I’m underweight the last thing I want to focus on is working out, I need to gain weight. He bought it up again today, when he called me he said ‘have you been working out today’…I’m starting to feel pressure from him to workout and I feel the need to do it, possibly because I’m weak minded. It’s not something I want to do and considering I’m barely eating, to the point I get lightheaded and feel faint, I’m not sure it’ll have a good impact on my health but the comments he’s been making has made me feel the need to start doing it and I feel like I’m not fit.

Theres also other things he's said recently that have made me change myself. My hairs curly and he said how I should start straightening it, straight hair is better, everyone prefers straight hair over curly hair etc…so surprise surprise I’ve now started having it straight . Another example is I wanted to paint my bedroom pink, just to be expressive, he said how it’s childish and I need it white like a classy woman…so I’m now returning the pink paint I bought.

For the past few years I’ve been in abusive/controlling relationships, I’m not saying he’s abusive but from the little comments he makes I’m starting to feel like he doesn't love me for me and as if I’m being moulded into what he wants or almost as if I’m not good enough. Not sure what responses I’m expecting from this post, some people may suggest I leave him but for someone with poor mental health and a history of toxic relationships it’s not that easy. Just needed to let this out as I have nobody else to talk to.

OP posts:
TinyMouseTheatre · 13/04/2026 20:03

I really feel for you. I used to be underweight and it can be very hard to get out of. Has theGP referred you to a Dietitian? It was years ago now but I was given a sheet with things like drink a full pint of full fat milk a day and it did help.

Everything this guy says though is wrong. If he loved you he’d love your curls and how you express yourself in your own home. Pink paint in your bedroom sounds fabulous.

I think you’ve done brilliantly in recognising that there are some huge red flags and have come here to discuss what’s going on. That sounds like progress.

I think you know the absolute best thing for you and your MH is to end the relationship. Does he have a key to your flat?

ConfusedNoMore · 13/04/2026 20:04

Walk away. It might take a while for you to find the strength but seriously, at least pause and remember this moment. This is the moment when other women recognised the signs and flagged them to you.

Without judgement.

You've been in abusive relationships before. They don't start that way. They start with little chips and digs. You lose your sense of self. That sounds like it is happening.

When did the eating disorder start ? Before this relationship. Is it a symptom of something else rather than the actual issue?

I would very much recommend getting some counselling and not telling him.

TinyMouseTheatre · 13/04/2026 20:05

Forgot to mention that I have curly hair too Smile

Curls are amazing and my DH also loves them. If this one doesn’t love your curls, don’t change, embrace the curls and throw this one back Flowers

ConfusedNoMore · 13/04/2026 20:06

...and I remember the moment someone did me that favour btw. Of one woman's strong reaction who declared 'bastard!' at something exh said. I was shocked. It was a small voice in me at that time that thought it wasn't right. That big reaction was the start of me waking up. It helped.

I hope this thread helps you Flowers

Walig54 · 13/04/2026 20:20

Get rid of this one. Enjoy your PINK space to the full. Shake your beautiful curls to your favourite music. Take pleasure in all you want and can do and laugh at/with yourself in the mirror as you dance in your Pink room(s).

Endofyear · 13/04/2026 20:21

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 19:02

He sounds concerned. You don’t seem to have any quality of life at all - just existing in an unhappy state not doing anything.

He is trying to find ways to help

By telling OP that she needs to exercise when she's seriously underweight? Or that she needs to straighten her hair? Or that she can't paint her bedroom whatever colour she wants? That's not concern, that's control.

Givemeachaitealatte · 13/04/2026 20:22

Until you said the other things (paint and hair) I thought he sounded concerned and exercise will help you feel better and may make you hungrier.

I think you need to ditch this one and focus on yourself and getting better. Perhaps try the freedom programme from women's aid!

Endofyear · 13/04/2026 20:27

I think you need to end this relationship, his behaviour is controlling and is only likely to get worse.

What help and support are you getting with your mental health and eating disorder? Are you under a psychiatrist? I hope you are having ongoing support so that you can make progress. I can't advise on treatment but you should have expert help as these are complex issues and it can take time to make progress.

In the meantime, I think being single will give you the time to work on your eating issues and try and get out of the house a bit each day, even if it's just stepping outside the door and breathing for a few minutes. Look after yourself lovely 💐

Eclipser · 13/04/2026 20:29

I know it’s not easy to leave a relationship and you don’t feel strong enough. But men like this are like kryptonite and it’s only when you get some space from them that you start to recognise that their presence and influence is keeping you weak, vulnerable and dependent.

HelenHywater · 13/04/2026 20:35

I think you should be pleased that you've spotted this abusive behaviour this time. You honestly need to lose the boyfriend and keep the pink paint. Do you feel able to do this?

And no, not everyone wants straight hair! I have dead straight hair and would love curly hair - so just tell him to fuck right off. A kind, supportive boyfriend wouldn't be chipping away at you like this.

If you get rid of him, then maybe you will start to feel strong enough to seek help for your eating.

Pugglywuggly · 13/04/2026 20:42

If you're already underweight you do need to be concerned about bone density, and weights help this.

Lugol · 13/04/2026 20:48

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 19:02

He sounds concerned. You don’t seem to have any quality of life at all - just existing in an unhappy state not doing anything.

He is trying to find ways to help

Are you for real? He sounds concerned? He's trying to help?

He's trying to control her more like.

OP swerve this one, he will shatter your confidence even further and if you want a pink bedroom then damn well paint it that colour.

Elphamouche · 13/04/2026 20:51

Never mind your room, pain your curly hair pink!! What a twat.

To begin with, I thought he could have been looking over for you, trying to help you get strong. However, no. He’s a complete wanker. Get rid.

ChaToilLeam · 13/04/2026 20:53

I think he's not good for you or for any woman. It sounds like he is trying to undermine you and control you.

Paint that bedroom pink and don't let him in it. You need to focus on yourself.

caringcarer · 13/04/2026 20:53

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 13/04/2026 19:09

You’ve seen the red flags. That’s excellent progress.

Some of his behaviour could come from concern, but not criticising the paint colour and how you wear your hair.

Encouraging you to try out different ways to feel better- exercise, clothes- yes. Criticising you, absolutely not.

This. You need to find someone who loves you the way you are and encourages you to express yourself. Paint your bedroom pink and if he complains bin him off.

CatCaretaker · 13/04/2026 20:55

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 19:02

He sounds concerned. You don’t seem to have any quality of life at all - just existing in an unhappy state not doing anything.

He is trying to find ways to help

Please ignore this. He does not sound concerned, quite the opposite. I'm not qualified to answer, but I will say that you sound lovely and deserve better.

Also, curly hair is amazing, wear your hair whatever way you like ❤

RedToothBrush · 13/04/2026 20:57

MeganBoo · 13/04/2026 19:07

@Oddgain Honestly I don’t think him saying he wants me to straighten my hair and how nobody likes curly hair is him being concerned and ‘helping’ me. Not to mention he’s tried changing the clothes I wear and much more. I’m normally blind to red flags but I’ve noticed them and definitely don’t think it’s him being caring and helping me out.

We don’t live together and he’s 4 years older then me.

Edited

Given you have a possible eating disorder and you admit this, that's a separate issue which he may have a point over.

Telling you to straighten your hair because no one likes curly hair and he's just trying to help you.

That one is a do not pass go, red flag klaxon.

People do like curly - he's telling you he doesn't like curly hair.
Saying he's just trying to help you in this context is straight up gaslighting and manipulation.

This isn't a healthy relationship.

You may have unhealthy issues about your eating habits but this isn't one and this is the one that should make you go "hang on a second, this isn't right".

Pugdogmom · 13/04/2026 20:59

If it was just the working out thing, then I would think he was trying to help, as exercise IS good for your MH ( although I would take medical advice on types of exercise if you are severely underweight).
When you mentioned your hair and the pink paint....just no...🚩.

What's he bringing to the table?

curlyfriess · 13/04/2026 21:00

When you're vulnerable you're always at risk of attracting abusive types, they see the signs from a mile off and know they're going to be able to take advantage. They know because you're vulnerable it will be easier to make you dependent on them and that you won't see the red flags.

Dump the bloke, paint your room pink and focus on yourself. You need to prioritise yourself right now, you are not in the right place for a healthy, functional relationship.

Terfedout · 13/04/2026 21:00

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 19:02

He sounds concerned. You don’t seem to have any quality of life at all - just existing in an unhappy state not doing anything.

He is trying to find ways to help

Ignore this poster op, he/she/it has been going round putting twattish comments on other threads too.

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 21:02

Terfedout · 13/04/2026 21:00

Ignore this poster op, he/she/it has been going round putting twattish comments on other threads too.

Look he’s an abusive twat that the op shouldn’t be with.

But saying someone do some exercise when they presumably spend all day every day doing nothing - is not the worst idea. It could result in more of an appetite for one thing

But clearly he’s a horror who has latched on to someone who is in no fit state to be in a relationship

PyongyangKipperbang · 13/04/2026 21:04

He is just as abusive as the others, he is just doing it in a more insidious way.

Exercise is good for mental health but a walk in the sunshine is the best way to do it, it doesnt mean being a gym bunny. Straight hair v curly hair is a personal choice and ITS YOUR FUCKING HAIR. Pink room v white room...again its a personal choice and ITS YOUR FUCKING ROOM!!!!

Do not return the pink paint, embrace the curls and ditch the abuser. Then get your ass on to the Freedom programme, it will help I promise.

Terfedout · 13/04/2026 21:06

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 21:02

Look he’s an abusive twat that the op shouldn’t be with.

But saying someone do some exercise when they presumably spend all day every day doing nothing - is not the worst idea. It could result in more of an appetite for one thing

But clearly he’s a horror who has latched on to someone who is in no fit state to be in a relationship

Oh don't try and back out of what you said now everyone has called BS on you. I've read some of the other stuff you have posted today and all you seem to want to do is be critical of the op. Take the thread of the lady who is terminally ill as a good example. In fact that comment got deleted I believe....

Terfedout · 13/04/2026 21:08

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 21:02

Look he’s an abusive twat that the op shouldn’t be with.

But saying someone do some exercise when they presumably spend all day every day doing nothing - is not the worst idea. It could result in more of an appetite for one thing

But clearly he’s a horror who has latched on to someone who is in no fit state to be in a relationship

And also just to add, telling someone with an eating disorder to exercise is terrible advise!

Glowingup · 13/04/2026 21:10

Oddgain · 13/04/2026 19:02

He sounds concerned. You don’t seem to have any quality of life at all - just existing in an unhappy state not doing anything.

He is trying to find ways to help

Sure, telling her how to do her hair and what colour to paint her bedroom are super “helpful”