Woman Is Body Shamed Post Pregnancy at a Friend's Hot Tub, But the Man Doing the Shaming Has a Huge Belly and a Double Chin.

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In a seemingly casual social gathering, the Original Poster (OP) stands up to her best friend’s husband, Tom, after his insensitive remark about her friend’s post-pregnancy weight. This intervention, although seen as unnecessary by OP’s boyfriend, was a direct retaliation against body shaming and was received with mixed reactions. As tensions escalate between friends, OP finds herself navigating complex waters, with the climax yet to come when she discovers her own pregnancy.

The New Arrival

Young mother caressing her newborn baby — image credit: tomsickova-tatyana/shutterstock

OP, a 22-year-old woman, and her boyfriend met the newborn son of her best friend Jenny and her husband Tom for the first time at OP’s apartment. The evening was supposed to be filled with joy and laughter as they spent quality time together.

An Unexpected Gift

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OP had a hot tub on her balcony, a gift from her parents the previous Christmas. She had asked Jenny and Tom to bring swimwear so they could relax in the hot tub after dinner. This was meant to add an element of relaxation and fun to the evening.

Initial Hesitation

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OP’s boyfriend was not keen on the hot tub idea, so he decided to hold the baby while Jenny, Tom, and OP prepared for the tub. Jenny was the last to get ready, and when she emerged from the bathroom in her bikini, the atmosphere of the evening began to change.

Unexpected Comment

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Seeing Jenny in her bikini, Tom insensitively remarked that she still had weight to lose from her pregnancy. This comment stunned everyone, particularly OP, who was already aware of Jenny’s struggle with her post-pregnancy weight. The mood of the evening shifted dramatically.

Silent Hurt

Jenny’s bright demeanor changed after Tom’s comment, though she chose not to respond. Her smile faded, and she looked uncomfortable. As Jenny’s best friend, OP was upset by Tom’s disregard for Jenny’s feelings.

OP’s Retaliation

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OP felt compelled to intervene on her best friend’s behalf and countered Tom’s insensitive comment by pointing to his beer belly and saying, “Jenny just had a baby. What’s your excuse?” The words struck him like a knife.

A Heated Defense

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Tom reacted defensively to OP’s comment, advising her to learn how to take a joke. He stormed off towards the hot tub, leaving an awkward silence. This was the first sign of a deeper underlying issue within their group dynamic.

An Awkward Chuckle

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Jenny found humor in OP’s retaliation and chuckled, trying to lighten the atmosphere. It was a moment of camaraderie between the two friends, yet the tension remained palpable. It was clear that things had not returned to normal.

A Hushed Reprimand

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As the evening concluded, Tom pulled OP aside to rebuke her for meddling in their affairs. He accused her of overstepping boundaries, leaving OP questioning whether she had done the right thing. This marked the end of what was meant to be a happy evening.

The Boyfriend’s Perspective

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OP’s boyfriend voiced his opinion, agreeing with Tom that OP should have kept quiet as it was not her business. He believed that OP’s intervention might have exacerbated the situation. His perspective added to OP’s doubts about her actions.

OP’s Self-Doubt

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Left wondering if she was the one who caused the conflict, OP questioned her decision to stand up for Jenny. Despite her initial conviction that she was defending her friend, she began to second-guess herself.

Pregnancy News

young pregnant woman expecting child at swimming pool — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

OP discovered she was pregnant shortly after this incident. This news heightened her sensitivity towards pregnancy-related matters, especially concerning body shaming. Her new personal context made the incident with Tom and Jenny more impactful.

Dealing with a New Reality

Pregnancy Stomachache. Sad Pregnant Woman Touching Belly Suffering From Pain — image credit: prostock-studio/shutterstock

Coming to terms with her pregnancy, OP began to experience firsthand the physical changes that come with it. This enhanced her empathy for Jenny and her struggle with weight gain post-pregnancy.

Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posted his story online for feedback. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “Good for you, OP. Keep fighting the good fight. The only way to stop a bully is to throw whatever they give back in their smug face.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “You weren’t just sticking up for your friend. You objected to his statement. He made it your business when he said it in front of you.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “The fact he pulled her aside to tell her to mind her own business too… Trying to intimidate the little lady into minding her manners? He sounds horrible.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “If you can’t take it, don’t dish it out. For many, weight is a sensitive topic, and new mothers are especially pressured to lose weight.”