We’ve all heard the old-school jokes about spouses being ‘ball and chains,’ but how would you react if a new coworker made such a joke? One 21-year-old found themselves in this exact situation during a happy hour with colleagues. The coworker, Sean, joked about lying to his wife to go out for beers, as she ‘wouldn’t let him out.’ The protagonist, a little tipsy and concerned, decided to ask Sean if he was okay, leading to an awkward exchange. Did they read the room wrong, or was their concern justified? Let’s dive into the story.
Happy Hour with Coworkers

Sean’s ‘Ball and Chain’ Jokes

A Little Drunk and Worried

Abusive Past Comes to Mind

Asking Sean If He’s Okay

21 and Single, Doesn’t Get It

Sean’s Confusion

“You Know Women…”

Conversation Changes Topics

Embarrassing the New Guy?

Not Getting the ‘Relatable’ Bit

Cringy and Sexist Joke?

Concerned or Overreacting? The Verdict ♀️
So, was our protagonist right to be concerned, or did they just misread the situation? It’s a tough call, as the ‘ball and chain’ joke is undeniably outdated and cringy. However, it’s also possible that Sean was just trying to fit in and make light of his situation. One thing’s for sure, this happy hour was anything but ordinary! Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
“Wait, your wife keeps you captive? You hate her and see her as your jailer? Do you need help, sir??”

Middle-aged guy jokes about wife, but others find it offensive

NTA. Genuine concern about coworker’s sexist joke about wives.

NTA for calling out cringy and sexist jokes.

NTA. Calling out harmful jokes and promoting healthy relationships

NTA: Toxic relationships disguised as ‘marriage’. Best to avoid drama.

Showing compassion vs. callousness: the awkwardness of misreading situations

NTA. Shutting down sexist jokes with perfect comeback.

NTA. Toxic behavior disguised as tired jokes about marriage.

NTA. ‘Ball and chain’ jokes are outdated and offensive. ♀️

Hilarious sketch-worthy situation! You’re not the a**hole, he is

Parenting and household responsibilities can be overwhelming.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/f3d880dd-eb87-4e90-9f41-28b8e8bd069b.png)
Calling out sexist trope, tired of hearing complaints about relationships.

NTA: Spot on and hilariously unintentional

NTA: Marriage jokes need to stop. It’s unhealthy.

Engaging comment highlights potential reasons for coworker’s behavior
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/09a2657c-f576-4f46-a5ce-8889e66e2581.png)
Lesson learned about respectful communication in relationships.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/4db052a6-a09f-48b2-b5d6-f123b2e58887.png)
Hilarious comic about straight people – are they really okay?

NTA: Calling out toxic jokes and standing up for respect!

NAH. Dude makes sexist joke, dumps kids on wife without warning. NTA.

Empathy and caution needed when addressing potential abuse.

NTA, you handled it well
