Unfeeling Husband Tries To Use Sister-In-Law To Compare And Insult His Wife's Post-Pregnancy Appearance

SIL shut him down and called him a greasy gnome

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• November 19, 2023

What would have been a fun family visit turned into a tense situation when a 30-year-old stopped her 34-year-old brother-in-law from further insulting his wife. OP's stepsister, Chloe, married and had a son with her husband, Joe.

OP and her family live overseas. Chloe, Joe, their son, and OP's parents took a trip to see OP and participate in local festivities.

They all had a great time in the beginning. They couldn't help but notice the tension between Chloe and Joe.

OP guessed their issues had to do with their son and their marriage. Joe made a lot of snide remarks about their son's behavior, as well as his wife's appearance.

Things took a turn for the worse during their weekend out. They had a full day ahead of them and planned to attend three separate events.

OP packed enough change of clothes for herself. She changed before they sat for lunch, and Joe complimented how nice she looked.

OP thanked Joe, thinking that was the end of it. Instead, her BIL went on a rant about how he wished Chloe put as much effort into her appearance as much as OP did.

He complained about his wife's pregnancy weight and how she didn't think about how he felt when they were seen in public. He said it shouldn't be difficult if OP managed to do it without her husband's help.

OP was indignant. Her greasy gnome, her words, of a BIL managed to insult her, her husband, and Chloe in front of their parents and children.

So, OP told Joe that she married a husband who provided support, not excuses. She said she wouldn't look the same if she had him to come home to.

She told Joe his complaints were a reflection of his failures, not Chloe's. Joe said he just wanted to make a point. OP's stepdad asked them to cool down before things got out of hand.

Chloe got mad at OP when she tried to talk to her. She said OP should have brushed Joe's comments aside instead of making her look like she married an idiot.

Things were strained between them during the rest of the trip. OP's husband supported everything she said. However, she hurt her stepsister when she stood up for herself.

OP spelled out what she found so insulting about Joe's comments.

Done and accomplished without OP's help.

Chloe is mad that OP said the quiet parts out loud.

Her husband is also correct. By standing up for herself, she hurt the person she thought she was protecting.

OP needs to check on Chloe and try to see if she's willing to open up to her.

Leaving Chloe at the mercy of her sexist husband is the last thing OP should do

Chloe needs to know that OP supports her 100% no matter what.

I hope OP saw this comment

OP should talk to Chloe and apologize for how she worded her defense of her

It might be worth taking Chloe out on a girl's day. It could help her feel like herself again.

The logistics might be tough since they live in different countries, but OP should check what she can do for her sister. She wasn't wrong for stopping Joe's hurtful tirade.

Her impromptu response could have been worded better. OP was voted not the a**hole, but she should still apologize to her sister for unintentionally hurting her feelings.

Chelsi