Am I overreacting about the way my bf’s dad talks to and about me?
I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost 5 years now, and pretty much every time I’ve been around his dad, he’s said something inappropriate, sexist, or just plain disrespectful and it’s usually aimed at me or other women in general.
For example, my boyfriend was telling him about a creepy friend who was clearly staring at my chest during prom, and his dad said, “Well, they’re there and they’re pretty.” Like… what?
He’s also said things like, “Your sister is hot,” referring to my sister. I called it out in the moment and said, “Your son’s girlfriend’s sister? Word…?” and he just brushed it off.
My uncle also recently died by suicide and my bf’s dad is well aware but continues to make disgusting joke about it. The worst one being said when he was talking about his own brother in-law and said something along the lines of “He’s so sick, if he wasn’t your uncle I’d say he should just kill himself.” No apology or acknowledgment of what a disgusting thing that was to say.
Alongside this, he’s made MANY other belittling comments, and it’s clear he has zero respect for me. He’s said something offhanded or offensive almost every time I’ve seen him. It makes me extremely uncomfortable and has honestly made me dread spending time around my boyfriend’s family.
My boyfriend definitely knows it bothers me, and he gets uncomfortable too, but he doesn’t say anything because he’s scared of his dad. He’s told me that his dad “likes me,” but it doesn’t feel that way. I feel disrespected and honestly kind of gross after every interaction with him.
I’ve tried to laugh it off or ignore it for years, but lately, I don’t know if I’m starting to notice it more or if it’s just ramping up. I’m starting to question whether I’m being too sensitive or if I should just suck it up for the sake of the relationship.
So… am I overreacting by being seriously bothered by this? Or is this just how some people are and I need to let it go?
Posted Aug 7, 2025, 4:41 PM UTC