My Brother (18M) was told by his girlfriend (18F) that if he doesn’t workout and get in shape she is done with him. How concerned should I be?
He’s not even overweight, he’s just no longer insanely fit like he was when they first got together 3 years ago.
My brother is a really really sweet, innocent guy. He is very kind, and a bit of a pushover. His girlfriend hardly comes over to our house, but from my limited perspective she seems a bit bratty and spoiled.
From what he’s told me she seems to care much more about her own interests than his. From what he says it sounds like she often criticizes him and tells him what to do.
I’m wondering how bad the ultimatum in the title is, as I’m considering maybe advising him to break up with her. I wish I could give more insight into their relationship but I really don’t have too much to go off of.
To me it sounds very unacceptable and controlling, but I’m also young and no relationship expert. I know he cares about her so much and they have been very attached to one another for over 3 years now.
Any advice, similar experiences, stories, or any kind of wisdom about relationships would be appreciated, since I’m the only one he can really talk to about this and I’m a bit clueless and inexperienced on relationships myself. Thanks!
Netizens’ comments
When I was in a toxic relationship I tried so hard to hide all of the red flags from my family and friends. There were definitely alarming things that he did in front of them and I wish that someone had taken me aside and said something simple like “hey are you okay? Some of the things I’ve seen/heard don’t seem great”
You can’t always realise that your relationship isn’t normal if you don’t have the right references.
I would encourage you to try to talk to your brother about it in a really non-confrontational way so he doesn’t get defensive. A chat about your concerns that doesn’t put him on the front foot and isn’t strong enough to alienate him might make him think on it more and realise that it isn’t normal to be treated that way.