I Refused To Eat, Causing My MIL To Faint. AITA?

Living with family can be a blessing and a curse. One couple finds themselves in a difficult situation after their MIL faints after not eating. The MIL has a complicated relationship with food and believes she should not eat if others are not eating. The couple refused to eat, causing the MIL to faint.

The couple is now being blamed for the MIL’s fainting episode. Was the couple in the wrong? Or was the MIL’s belief system too toxic? See what people on Reddit had to say and share your thoughts.

Grateful for MIL’s help, but my hunger strike backfired.

Dealing with MIL’s toxic behavior around food. ‍♀️

ER doctor’s insane hours worsen MIL’s reaction to my refusal.

Polite refusal of MIL’s offer causes drama.

MIL faints after I refuse to eat. AITA or not?

Boyfriend blames me for MIL fainting for not eating. AITA?

When refusing to eat becomes toxic, who’s at fault?

Living with your in-laws can be challenging, especially when they have toxic behavior. For this woman, her mother-in-law’s obsession with food has become unbearable. Her MIL was taught never to eat alone or appear like a “pig” and has issues with food. The MIL is also an ER doctor, which makes her crazy work hours even worse.

When she took them to run errands, she insisted on buying them food even though she said she wasn’t hungry. The woman declined since she had just eaten, while her husband accepted out of pity. The MIL ended up fainting at home, and her boyfriend blamed the woman for not eating with her, calling her an ungrateful b****.

But, should she be held responsible for her MIL’s fainting spell?

Some commenters thought the MIL’s behavior was toxic and that the woman shouldn’t have to cater to her MIL’s insecurities. Others believed that as a guest, she should have respected her host’s wishes. What do you think about the situation ? Read on for more comments and reactions.

NTA for not being responsible for MIL’s disordered eating.

Commenter defends OP, suggests MIL needs therapy.

Enabling disordered eating is NOT kindness. NTA.

NTA for refusing to eat, but MIL needs therapy.

OP and MIL both have toxic behavior in this ESH situation

OP’s refusal to eat creates tension, but MIL needs help. NAH

Family support for overwhelmed ER doctor MIL is crucial

Debate ensues as YTA comment gets upvoted.

OP’s selfish behavior causes MIL to faint. YTA

OP’s refusal to eat is seen as ungrateful by commenters.

Judging OP’s actions towards MIL’s disordered eating.

MIL’s behavior was concerning, but OP couldn’t have predicted fainting ‍♀️

Commenter questions OP’s actions leading to MIL’s distress and fainting.

Encouraging therapy for MIL’s food issues. Healthcare workers can relate

Commenter suggests MIL needs therapy, sparks debate.

Eat a cracker, save a life. Mild YTA. ‍♀️

Commenter points out fault on both sides of family conflict

Encouraging seeking therapy for MIL’s wellbeing

Refusing to help your kind MIL makes YTA.

Commenter calls out OP for selfishness and lack of empathy

Sacrifice for MIL’s eating disorder or address elephant in the room?

NTA – Perpetuating eating disorders cycle. MIL needs therapy

Compromise with empathy: YTA should’ve accommodated her trauma and hunger.

Commenter suggests OP is slightly at fault for MIL’s fainting.

Learn to show kindness, YTA

Be grateful for your MIL’s support and eat with her

Refusing to eat was a major AH move towards your MIL ‍♀️

Commenter calls OP ‘YTA’ for not showing compassion towards MIL’s trauma.

Poster’s refusal to eat was passive-aggressive. YTA according to comment.

MIL needs therapy but you could have helped. ESH

Tough love or too harsh? A commenter is called an a**hole for not supporting their MIL.

Commenter calls OP a big, smelly, ungrateful a-hole.

Encouraging self-care and therapy for MIL’s eating disorder.

Engage with empathy. Don’t trigger someone’s eating disorder. YTA.

Refusing to share food intentionally, YTA ️ ‍♂️

Refusing to feed your MIL after all she’s done? YTA

Be considerate of your host’s hospitality, YTA

The MIL needs help but refusing to eat is not okay

Show some kindness, YTA. Order a snack with her.

Commenter is surprised by YTA votes

OP is living in MIL’s house, can’t take one bite. YTA

Refusing to eat while MIL is sick, YTA. Be kind

Refusing to eat with MIL, causing her to faint. YTA

Commenter advocates for MIL to get therapy to address eating disorder.

Ungrateful OP refuses to eat; MIL faints. Judgement: YTA.

Stand up for yourself! NTA for setting boundaries.

Commenter calls out OP for not helping MIL with mental struggles

Encouraging professional help for eating disorders.

Supportive comment section shows understanding for ER doctor’s mental health

ESH. MIL needs professional help, OP could have been kinder.

Commenter calls out OP for lack of empathy and responsibility

Be compassionate to your MIL, YTA.

You were inconsiderate to MIL’s condition. Be accommodating.

Refusing to compromise for someone with psychological issues makes YTA