Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs A man’s refusal to change his restaurant order after his girlfriend objected to the smell has caused an uproar of indignation online.The 27-year-old man, aka original poster (OP) RinaRavissante, shared on Reddit that he and his 25-year-old girlfriend, Emily, went out to an eatery where he ordered seafood paella while she opted for a chicken dish.’I was being inconsiderate’However, once their meals arrived, Emily reacted negatively to the aroma of his dish, saying, “Ugh, that smells so strong. I don’t think I can eat my food with that next to me.”He offered to switch seats, but she insisted he order something else instead. When he refused—explaining that he had been looking forward to trying the paella—she barely touched her meal.”She got upset and said I was being inconsiderate of her discomfort,” the OP told Redditors.
Stock image: Unhappy couple at dinner.
Stock image: Unhappy couple at dinner.
Prostock-Studio/iStock/Getty Images Plus
The post has drawn strong opinions, with many Reddit users finding Emily’s request unreasonable, to put it mildly.The most upvoted remark labeled it as, “Utterly preposterous,” while another critic wrote, “That is so ridiculous, and she sounds so entitled.”I hate fish, cannot stand the smell, so that’s why I never cook fish dishes inside the house. But I’d never dictate to someone what they can or can’t order while out at a restaurant.”‘Controlling and abusive’A fellow Redditor slammed the girlfriend’s behavior as, “Controlling and abusive,” and gave the OP a warning.”Imagine what your life will be like for the next 50 years as she limits what restaurants you can eat at, were you can go and do because she doesn’t like the smell or the appearance, or dislikes the idea that there may be something that she may or may not like,” the Redditor said.
While people have different levels of sensitivity to food smells, demanding that a partner change their order raises questions about entitlement in relationships.A Verywell Mind article explains that entitlement involves expecting special treatment without consideration for others. In relationships, this can lead to one partner imposing their preferences unfairly.Beyond the debate over restaurant etiquette, the situation also touches on how couples handle disagreements.Dating coach Sabrina Zohar told Newsweek that one key to strong relationships is making a partner feel heard. Zohar explained that asking, “Do you want comfort or solutions?” can help couples communicate better and avoid dismissive behavior.
For many in the Reddit thread, the issue wasn’t about whether Emily found the smell unpleasant, but about whether she had the right to dictate what someone else could eat.”It’s a restaurant, not her kitchen,” one user commented, adding, “If she’s that bothered, she could move or leave, not force him to change his meal.”‘What’s next’The OP has not yet indicated whether the disagreement has long-term consequences for his relationship, but the situation continues to draw strong reactions.As one Reddit user put it: “If she’s this controlling over what you eat, imagine what’s next.”Newsweek has contacted RinaRavissante for comment via Reddit.Newsweek’s “What Should I Do?” offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via [email protected]. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek.To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
