AITA for telling my girlfriend that if she ever gets “too fat” I’ll cheat on her without remorse?

Oh, relationships. They're supposed to be built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding, aren't they? We all have our boundaries and preferences, but there's a delicate art to communicating them without causing irreparable damage. It's a tightrope walk between honesty and cruelty, and sometimes, well, sometimes people fall right off.

Today, we're diving headfirst into a story that has left me absolutely speechless. It involves a statement so jarring, so profoundly devoid of empathy, that it immediately raises all sorts of red flags. Buckle up, folks, because this one is a masterclass in how *not* to communicate your expectations in a partnership. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what went down.

"AITA for telling my girlfriend that if she ever gets “too fat” I’ll cheat on her without remorse?"

Let's be unequivocally clear: the original poster (OP) crossed a line so severe it's difficult to even articulate the damage done. While open communication in a relationship is vital, there's a colossal difference between expressing a preference or a boundary and delivering a cruel, calculated threat. The statement about cheating "without remorse" if a partner's body changes is not honesty; it's a profound act of emotional abuse and manipulation.

Relationships are built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. The OP's declaration completely shatters that foundation. It communicates to his girlfriend that her value is primarily tied to her physical appearance and that his commitment is conditional and shallow. This kind of threat creates an environment of fear and insecurity, forcing the partner to constantly worry about meeting an arbitrary physical standard to avoid betrayal.

The concept of "warning" someone about an intention to cheat is particularly chilling. Cheating is a choice, and attempting to absolve oneself of responsibility by claiming prior notification is disingenuous and morally bankrupt. It demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about commitment and the emotional impact of infidelity. A partner's body changing over time, whether due to age, health issues, or pregnancy, is a natural part of life, and a supportive partner adapts.

In essence, the OP didn't state a boundary; he issued an ultimatum steeped in contempt and control. True partnership involves navigating life's changes together, with empathy and unwavering support, not with the threat of betrayal. His girlfriend's reaction is not an overreaction; it's a completely valid response to a deeply hurtful and trust-eroding declaration.

The internet reacts: Did honesty go too far, or was this just plain cruel?

The comment section, as expected, did not hold back on this one. The overwhelming consensus was a resounding 'YTA' for the original poster, with many users expressing shock and disgust at the casual cruelty of his statement. Common themes revolved around the emotional abuse inherent in the threat, and how such a declaration completely erodes any trust or security in the relationship.

Many commenters highlighted that physical attraction evolves, and true partnership goes far beyond superficial appearances. They emphasized that threatening to cheat, especially over body changes that can be beyond one's control (like after childbirth), is a deeply narcissistic and unloving stance. The advice for the girlfriend was almost universally to run, not walk, from this relationship.

This story serves as a stark reminder that while honesty is crucial in a relationship, it should always be tempered with empathy and respect. There's a vast chasm between setting healthy boundaries and issuing cruel ultimatums. The OP's statement was not a warning; it was a deeply damaging threat that stripped his girlfriend of her sense of security and worth. Relationships thrive on trust and unconditional support, not on the fear of conditional love and inevitable betrayal. Let's hope his girlfriend finds the strength to prioritize her own well-being.