DD (19) has been seeing her boyfriend (just turned 18) for about 6 months. He’s at ours a lot lately – pretty much here more than he’s at home tbh. I don’t mind, he’s polite and keeps himself to himself mostly, but it’s clear things aren’t great at his house (not my place to go into it but there’s stuff going on).
When they first got together he’d eat whatever I made – proper meals, roast, pasta bake, chilli – no fuss, always said thanks. But for the past few weeks, maybe longer, he’s started saying he’s “not hungry” whenever I put dinner on. I didn’t think too much at first, teenagers have weird appetites, but I started noticing he’ll still eat snacks later – like crisps, chocolate, fizzy drinks he brings with him.
About 3 weeks ago I heard him being sick in the loo. It was definitely that sound, sorry if TMI. I asked if he was alright when he came out and he straight up said he hadn’t been sick, just brushed it off.
Last night it happened again – didn’t eat dinner, then later I heard him being sick again. This time when he came out his face was flushed and his eyes were watery. I asked again if he was OK and he admitted he had been sick, but said he wasn’t feeling great earlier and was fine now.
He’s slim, always has been – not underweight but definitely on the thinner side. Doesn’t seem overly into exercise or anything like that. Never seen him overeat or scoff loads, just kind of picks at food when he does eat.
I dunno – maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it’s starting to niggle at me. He’s here a lot, he’s a sweet lad, and I do worry if there’s more going on, especially with everything at home. AIBU to be thinking eating disorder? Or could it be something else? Anxiety? Stomach issues?
Would you say something to DD? Or just keep an eye and see how it goes? Not sure what’s best, don’t want to make things awkward for him or DD.