Fitness-Obsessed Husband Gives His Wife a Workout Kit for Her Birthday, But Her Reaction Isn’t Something He’s Prepared For.

Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Flip it

When a fitness-enthusiast husband (OP) attempts to gently nudge his wife towards a healthier lifestyle with a birthday gift, the situation quickly spirals into a domestic misunderstanding.

The Subtle Changes

male about to lift barbells in gym workout — image credit: ground-picture/shutterstock

OP, a 25-year-old fitness enthusiast, notices that his wife, aged 24, has recently put on a little weight. Although he observes her weight gain, he is careful not to voice his concerns openly.

Lifestyle Choices

Young male holding paper bag shopping healthy vegan vegetables grocery — image credit: kraken-images/shutterstock

He maintains an unwavering commitment to staying fit and healthy. He hopes that if he keeps up this lifestyle, she will follow suit.

The Thoughtful Gesture

Smiling bearded young male model rejoices coming weekends, dressed casually standing normal — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

For his wife’s birthday, OP decides to combine his interests with his concern for his wife’s health. He presents her with a weight loss and workout bundle kit, among other gifts. His intention is to subtly encourage her towards a healthier lifestyle.

Tried To Be Gentle

fit male smiles jobs — image credit: rido/canva

By including other presents besides the workout bundle, he thought she would still be satisfied. He made sure to be very intentional with other things she would like. However, fitness wasn’t one of her outspoken hobbies or aspirations.

The Misinterpretation

dissatisfied boss business woman argue shrug shoulders unhappy angry what — image credit: roman-samborskyi/shutterstock

His wife receives the gift but misunderstands his intentions, taking offense. The thoughtful gesture backfires, and their home is immediately filled with tension. OP is left confused by her reaction.

Backfire

woman upset sad crying — image credit: khosro/canva

When OP’s wife sees her new workout kit, she assumes he is indirectly calling her fat or expressing dissatisfaction with her physique. This quickly goes from a birthday celebration to a battleground for insecurity.

The Unheard Explanation

Worried young brunette woman stop no back — image credit: vidl-studio/shutterstock

OP attempts to explain his intentions, emphasizing that his gift was out of concern, not dissatisfaction. However, his wife refuses to listen, her feelings being hurt by his ‘gifts.’

Together Time

thoughtful pensive smart male thinking idea serious considering — image credit: khosro/shutterstock

If the workout bundle was presented as an activity the couple could do together, it might have been received differently. OP is left to wonder how he could have handled the situation differently and if it would have ever been received well at all.

The Lingering Animosity

couple family unhappy fighting argument wife husband — image credit: dmytro-zinkevych/shutterstock

Days pass, but the wife’s anger does not subside. OP’s sincere intentions are overlooked, replaced by his wife’s perception of being judged. This unexpected twist puts strain on their relationship.

The Internet Weighs In

group phone social media — image credit: studio-roman/canva

When OP takes his story to an online internet forum, he is met with harsh criticism. Many names were thrown out, and the main theory was that he was wrong for using her birthday to bring this up.

A Question Of Interest

male confused upset huh — image credit: mangostar-studio/canva

Another big point that was shared amongst many was considering her interests. Because this is something he strongly values, many found it to be selfish to try and sway her habits on her birthday of all days.

A Moral Debate

group thoughts idea social media phones — image credit: dean-drobot/canva

By many, it is considered rude to make a time of gift giving into a chore for the receiver. Many discussed how this applies to workout equipment, household appliances, etc. Some agreed that it was wrong to do, but others said that for some people, this would really be a gift to ease the daily duties of life.

Is This A Joke?

male sad upset guilt thinking — image credit: khosro/canva

Some commenters thought this post couldn’t even possibly be a real situation because no one would actually have to consider why this was wrong to do in the first place. This leaves OP with a lot to think about. Was bringing up his wife’s weight worth this kind of backlash?

Was Giving His Wife A Weight Loss Program For Her Birthday Appropriate?

pretty young woman shrug shoulders, looks uncertain and confused red head doubts huh — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

sad woman feeling tired worried about problem sitting on sofa with laptop stressed depressed teen girl — image credit: fizkes/shutterstock

One reader said, “ You weren’t just calling her fat. You were also telling her to stop being fat. On her birthday.”

Another Commenter Thinks

male upset looking at phone social media — image credit: icon8-photos/canva

Another responder wrote: “If you wanted her to care about fitness with you, then talking to her about it and making it an invitation to share something would have been a better start.”

A Third View on The Story

couple phone social media laugh — image credit: icon8-photos/canva

A different person states, “Listen there are two things you don’t buy your partner unless they specifically ask for it. Household appliances and gym memberships/weight loss stuff. And if you have to ask why, then you need to reevaluate your level of empathy and address it.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

irritated male reads text message on smart phone remind him about bills, needs to pay debts phone social media — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

Another viewpoint on the story: “You noticed your wife gaining a couple of pounds and decided to call that out by buying her a gift that you’re interested in, not that she’s interested in.”