New Coworker’s ‘Ball and Chain’ Joke Leaves Everyone Stunned

We’ve all heard those old-fashioned jokes about spouses being a ‘ball and chain,’ but what happens when someone takes it a bit too seriously? A 21-year-old employee found themselves in a situation where a new coworker, Sean, was making jokes about lying to his wife to go out for drinks. Concerned about the implications, the employee confronted Sean, asking if he was okay and if he was really not allowed out without permission. This awkward exchange left the group questioning if the employee was in the wrong for taking the joke too far. Let’s dive into the story…

Happy Hour with Coworkers

Sean’s ‘Ball and Chain’ Joke

Concerned for Sean

Abusive Past and Worries

Asking Sean If He’s Okay

Sean’s Response ‍♂️

Pushing the Issue

“You Know Women…”

Conversation Shifts

Embarrassing the New Guy?

Not Getting the ‘Relatable’ Part

Cringy and Sexist Joke?

Questioning Their Actions ‍♂️

Taking a Joke Too Far or Genuine Concern? ‍♀️

So, what do you think? Was the employee out of line for taking the ‘ball and chain’ joke too seriously, or were they right to express concern for their new coworker’s situation? It’s a tricky situation, especially when personal experiences and emotions come into play. Let’s see what people have to say about this awkward happy hour encounter…

Using innocent confusion to take down sexist and racist jokes

Middle-aged coworker’s sexist joke sparks age divide in comment section

Calling out a sexist joke – NTA. But is he?

Calling out sexist jokes at work – good move

Calling out harmful jokes and promoting resources for abuse victims.

Don’t normalize toxic relationships under the guise of marriage. NTA.

Compassion wins. It’s better to err on the side of kindness

Shutting down sexist jokes like a boss!

Coworker’s sexist ‘joke’ falls flat, NTA for calling him out

NTA. ‘Ball and chain’ jokes are not funny and disrespectful

Tim Robinson would be proud of this coworker’s failed joke

Debate over ‘ball and chain’ joke and marital obligations.

Commenter shuts down sexist joke and shares relatable experience.

Commenter unintentionally funny while supporting NTA coworker

Stop normalizing toxic jokes about marriage. #NTA

Three possible scenarios, but either way, you did the right thing

Calling out sexist joke and childcare responsibilities. NAH vs YTA

A link to a comic about straight people.

NTA genuinely calls out toxic ‘joke’ and wins brownie points

A lesson on respect in relationships, but is ‘checking in’ necessary?

Supportive comment encourages empathy towards coworker in abusive situation

Quick thinking and alertness saved the day!

Fighting against toxic workplace culture, shutting down sexist jokes

Handling unfunny jokes like a pro

Standing up against sexism, NTA comment sets a great example!

Sexist ‘joke’ perpetuates harmful stereotypes about marriage and relationships. NTA.

Defending against a sexist joke, NTA for calling it out

Perfect response to cringey and sexist ‘joke’

Calling out regressive humor earns NTA commenter praise

NTA. Married people deserve a social life too

Commenter defends women and calls out sexist coworker

Insightful comment on the ‘ball and chain’ joke phenomenon

Victory for equality! Commenter shuts down sexist coworker’s joke

Calling out toxic masculinity in the workplace

Standing up against sexist jokes, NTA wins the day

Breaking the stereotype: Men can be victims of abuse too

Misunderstood joke leads to awkward situation, NTA suggests apology.

Understanding sarcasm can be tricky, even for the best.

Don’t be afraid to challenge harmful ‘cultural contexts’

Promoting unhealthy relationship ideals? Not funny. NTA.

Buried! NTA shuts down inappropriate joke

Bro-itude alert! NTA coworker shuts down inappropriate joke

Outdated sexist jokes have no place in the workplace

Perfect response to sexist joke shuts down coworker’s behavior

Commenter praises OP for not changing and being amazing

Standing up against abusive language – a job well done!

Commenter defends OP and criticizes outdated joke, mentions COVID-19 concerns.

Commenter finds joke funny and plans to use it. NTA.

NTA responds to a sexist joke with concern

Spouse jokes aren’t funny, they’re a red flag

Defending against harmful jokes, NTA’s reaction is hilarious

Combatting offensive jokes with confusion and empathy ‍♂️

Standing up against toxic humor

Supportive comment receives positive response.

Supportive response to reasonable boundaries set by coworker’s spouse

Complimented for being a mature 21-year-old after NTA comment

Making connections at work can change your life

Empowering response to sexist joke earns NTA judgement

Commenter defends coworker and shuts down sexist joke with empathy

Redditors discuss straight relationships and toxic behavior.