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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Am I overthinking husband's comments about my appearance and clothes?

277 replies

Pennyola · 09/06/2023 00:27

My husband has made a few remarks about my appearance and clothes that have made me feel a bit uncomfortable. We haven't been married long and I just wanted to ask if I'm overthinking these things? -

  • He's talked about my sister being in great shape, and that it's great how she works out so much. (For comparison - I am a normal weight - but definitely not toned!)
  • He often says it's important in marriage to keep in shape and 'not let yourself go'. He says this a lot. He says it's not surprising if someone finds a partner less attractive after they put on a lot of weight.
  • He told me he doesn't like the jeans I wear, and thinks I look better in other things (he compliments me a lot when i wear skirts and dresses, or dress up). I didn't wear those jeans again, thinking maybe he had a point. (I found other jeans which he likes better).
  • He said that when I go to visit his family, he 'wants me looking my absolute best, wearing the very best coats'.
  • He has mentioned how women in his family look after their appearance - like his sister in law (who is very thin and exercises a lot) and his mum (a normal weight, buys a lot of nice clothes).
  • He compared these women to my mum, who in the past has struggled with her weight. He said she 'doesn't give a shit about her appearance. Look at my mum, then look at yours'. (he was saying this in the context of being critical of my mum about something else).
  • He has told me he thinks I need to buy better clothes, and that he doesn't like a jumper that I love wearing. He thinks it's unflattering (it's loose with drapey arms - but I think it's stylish!)

For context, I like putting outfits together and I do care about being well turned out. I like Zara and h&m.

I know it's ok to sometimes let a partner know your preferences when it comes to their style and appearance. But I have been feeling a bit uncomfortable. Am I being too sensitive?

If I have a baby and struggle to lose the baby weight, I'm worried he'll think I'm not 'putting the effort in'.

OP posts:
Hairday · 09/06/2023 01:27

No, you're not overthinking it. It's not normal for men to say those things. When they do, it's often a red flag for abuse and the slow erosion of a woman's self esteem. I've seen it before.

Remaker · 09/06/2023 01:30

Goodness did he say that stuff before you got married? He sounds like a chauvinist pig! My husband would never comment on my weight or anyone else’s. And as for wanting to dress you up to parade in front of his family - yuck!

DeeCeeCherry · 09/06/2023 01:42

So he looks down on you, and your Mum.

If you stay married to this loose-mouthed ill-mannered dickhead, then thats on you. There'd have been some signs of his idiocy before you married him so God alone knows why you did. Who wants to be in the company of someone like that? Do yourself a favour and get out. Alternatively, stay with an unkind uncouth fool who scorns you and your mum.

Honestly I read about some men on here that I wouldn't even let thru my front door, much less waste my 1 life listening to their nonsense

IneedcoffeeinanIV · 09/06/2023 01:44

He sounds like an absolute prick. The comment regarding your Mum would be enough for me to want to flying headbutt. I hope you know you worth and please don't ever change yourself for anyone, let alone a judgemental dickhead that is supposed to love you unconditionally

Flatandhappy · 09/06/2023 01:46

You do realise this is not going to get better? You need to work up the courage to get out now or face a life of being controlled by a nasty man. And for God’s sake do not have a baby with him!

39847584893929j · 09/06/2023 01:58

Sounds like you married my ex! No way would I put up with it. Its wrong what he's saying, I'm sorry but I would be leaving him.

39847584893929j · 09/06/2023 01:59

Flatandhappy · 09/06/2023 01:46

You do realise this is not going to get better? You need to work up the courage to get out now or face a life of being controlled by a nasty man. And for God’s sake do not have a baby with him!

This. It will get worse. Don't have a baby with him, I was controlled more by my ex when I became pregnant with my DD.

snitzelvoncrumb · 09/06/2023 02:01

Have you tried saying similar things back to him? But seriously follow the running advice.

NeonPink · 09/06/2023 02:12

MistyGreenAndBlue · 09/06/2023 00:55

Take up running. And don't stop until you are very far away from him.

This!

WhereYouLeftIt · 09/06/2023 02:14

"We haven't been married long ..."
And so, it beginsSad.

I'm guessing he didn't talk to you like this before you married, but now he thinks he owns you and the mask has been discarded. He believes that you should act like a good little 1950's housewife and follow your owner/manager's instructions re 'uniform' regulations and brand presentation.

He sounds like a superficial judgy little arsehole. Be aware, he is unlikely to miraculously improve. Start pushing back, pointing out he's being a git and you'll thank him not to insult you mother again if he wants to stay married. (And I'd have a ponder on whether YOU want to stay in a marriage like this too.)

turtool · 09/06/2023 02:17

As stupid as a husband could be, they do generally love to their wives regardless of size. My grandad thought my grandma looked even more beautiful at 85 than when they got married at 20. That's a proper man/husband

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 09/06/2023 02:40

What an asshole.

CrazyArmadilloLady · 09/06/2023 02:44

Sorry, but ….

How did you end up marrying this guy………………..?

Confused
Morestrangerthings · 09/06/2023 03:30

This man is not kind. He is saying you are not good enough as you are. He strikes me as ‘a small & meagre man’, probably insecure (something you can’t cure) - and he seems determined to make you also feel insecure, and less than.

You ask if you are overthinking this. You aren’t. Believe in yourself.

Dotcheck · 09/06/2023 03:35

turtool · 09/06/2023 02:17

As stupid as a husband could be, they do generally love to their wives regardless of size. My grandad thought my grandma looked even more beautiful at 85 than when they got married at 20. That's a proper man/husband

ALL husbands?

GarlicGrace · 09/06/2023 03:43

A relationship's supposed to make you feel good, @Pennyola. Not like some sort of low-level employee being given poor performance reviews!

This man's making you feel "uncomfortable", unsure of yourself, you're losing sight of your own values and of what's normal. He is definitely not building you up and treating you with care!

There's nothing wrong with accepting you made a mistake. Cut your losses here, you deserve much better Flowers

Ellie450 · 09/06/2023 04:08

Well yeah, he’s a dick. Or at the very least his delivery and communication skills are utter crap. But looking at each part…

He's talked about my sister being in great shape, and that it's great how she works out so much. (For comparison - I am a normal weight - but definitely not toned!)

This is vile, obviously. If he’s so enamoured of her maybe he should have dated her instead. 🙄 He’s clearly trying to influence you to be more like her.

He often says it's important in marriage to keep in shape and 'not let yourself go'. He says this a lot. He says it's not surprising if someone finds a partner less attractive after they put on a lot of weight.

This is reasonable imo, though he doesn’t need to harp on about it.

He told me he doesn't like the jeans I wear, and thinks I look better in other things (he compliments me a lot when i wear skirts and dresses, or dress up). I didn't wear those jeans again, thinking maybe he had a point. (I found other jeans which he likes better).

This depends on the individual. Personally I don’t mind a partner expressing some likes within reason; I have my own preferences (hate graphic tees on men, for example). Some women don’t like their partners to express any kind of thoughts/opinions about their appearance. It depends on where you fall on the spectrum. I will say though that many men seem to dislike the baggy mom/teenage boy style jeans, in case those were the ones in question.

He said that when I go to visit his family, he 'wants me looking my absolute best, wearing the very best coats'.

He has mentioned how women in his family look after their appearance - like his sister in law (who is very thin and exercises a lot) and his mum (a normal weight, buys a lot of nice clothes).

This sounds like a background/class difference to me. It’s up to you if you want to go along with it or ignore it. He’s probably more concerned about it than they are. If you feel your clothes aren’t up to snuff then obviously he should treat you to a shopping trip.

He compared these women to my mum, who in the past has struggled with her weight. He said she 'doesn't give a shit about her appearance. Look at my mum, then look at yours'. (he was saying this in the context of being critical of my mum about something else).

This is just unpleasant and uncalled for. Regardless of what he thinks, he can keep his mouth shut and have some bloody manners.

He has told me he thinks I need to buy better clothes, and that he doesn't like a jumper that I love wearing. He thinks it's unflattering (it's loose with drapey arms - but I think it's stylish!)

Again, take him up on this and let him pay for it. It’s only fair, after all.

It sounds like he wants to shape you into someone more in line with his family. The question is, what do YOU want? You’re completely entitled to ignore him, or to tell him to piss off. Regardless, I would be pulling him up on the rudeness. There’s a difference between hinting that he likes you in dresses and insulting your mother, for god’s sake.

alwayscrashinginthesamecar1 · 09/06/2023 04:16

The first comment nailed it.

standardduck · 09/06/2023 05:23

He sounds horrible and controlling.

Don't have a baby with him, it will just get worse. Your body will change and his comments and attitude will destroy your confidence.

He is not a nice man.

WilkinsonM · 09/06/2023 05:48

Ugh
i could never be with someone so shallow and critical. Did you think this was ok before you got married? What changed?

SD1978 · 09/06/2023 06:05

He's an arse who judges based on appearance and is getting you to change your appearance based on his likes. Fuck that. What is there pleasant about him if he's so looks based and judgmental

loislovesstewie · 09/06/2023 06:13

He is a horrid MCP, he can't see beyond physical appearance. I have news for him; we all age, we get wrinkles,boobs sag, tums get flabby, what were once muscles turn to fat, we go gray, sometimes ill health takes its toll. For men and women. I'd get rid of him and find someone who realizes that personalty is what holds a couple together , not nice coats and washboard stomachs. Sorry to be blunt but you deserve better.

Motnight · 09/06/2023 06:14

How dare he comment on your family members' bodies.

As others have said don't have a baby with him. He will be vile about your changing body and vile about any DDs he has.

dangerrabbit · 09/06/2023 06:21

Why did you get married to this dick?

Lucyccfc68 · 09/06/2023 06:24

This is just the start of him trying to erode your self esteem and controlling you. It will only get worse. Next comes the gas-lighting and making you question everything you think and say. Then it will be to isolate you from family and friends. Next comes the job and how you would be better off letting him be the total bread winner and he’ll look after the finances, as you are not very good with money (by this point, he has worn you down that much, that you just give in).

By this point, you will be totally under his control, isolated, with no confidence and no access to funds to leave. You’ll be grateful at this point for any little crumb he throws for you and even believe it’s your fault when he gives you a little slap. Of course, he will say you pushed him to it.

This doesn’t happen over night, so you don’t even realise what he has done until it is too late and you are stuck in an abusive relationship.

You can’t change him or fix his controlling and narcissistic ways.

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