Husband Pressures Wife To Eat Leftovers Due To His Personal Food Preferences, Gets Criticized By Redditors For Wanting To Control Her

"She’s not good about eating leftovers"

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• November 17, 2023

In marriage, every situation can be a reason for a disagreement, but also for joy and laughter. And which way it will go depends only on the mutual respect and flexibility of the couples.

Recently, a Reddit user asked the community if he was right to start a fight with his wife over food. The OP explained he grew up in a family where being economical with food was important, rarely ate out, and always ensured leftovers were equally shared.

In contrast, his wife's family often ate out and cooked in large quantities, with a more casual approach to leftovers. Throughout their 10-year relationship, his wife, who does the majority of the cooking and often orders takeout due to their demanding jobs, has adjusted to cook smaller portions to prevent waste, as she doesn't like eating leftovers.

The OP always informs her of her leftover portion, to which she usually responds by offering it to him, stating that she would explicitly claim it if she intended to eat it later. Recently, after he reminded her of leftover Chinese takeout, she threw it away, explaining a new system where if she tells him three times that he can have her leftovers and he doesn't take them, she will throw them to avoid spoilage.

The OP was upset because he would have eaten the food if he had known she would throw it away. He feels that his perspective on food waste wasn't considered.

He expressed his discontent, and they haven't talked much since. So, he wonders if he's in the wrong in this situation.

Here is the OP's concern:

OP explained he and his wife have different upbringings when it comes to food:

And it had caused them many disputes in their marriage:

So, his wife came up with an idea:

But the thing is that the OP doesn't like it and started the fight about it:

A Reddit user was curious what the OP expected his wife to do

"You are creating needless frustration because you aren't adapting to your own house and wife"

It sounds like the OP wants her to change completely:

"Why is your upbringing the most important?"

One Redditor advised the OP to seek therapy

They have a bigger problem in their relationship

She's the main cook in the household, and she certainly knows about leftovers, the OP doesn't need to remind her:

"You need to just listen to your wife and accept that when she says you can have something she means it"

The Redditor told the OP that he can't expect his wife to change completely. She had already explained to him why she couldn't eat leftovers, and he still forced her.

He acts like he wants to control her. Therefore, the OP should seek therapy and solve his own issues and concerns.

His upbringing and wishes can not be more important than hers. She had already changed her cooking habits and made a compromise for him.

Filip