AITA for telling my wife she’s not allowed to wear makeup anymore because it “makes her look like a prostitute”?

Oh boy, do we have a doozy for you today! Get ready to collectively gasp, roll your eyes, and probably yell at your screen because this AITA submission is a masterclass in what NOT to say to your partner. Our submitter, let's call him 'Mr. Opinionated,' has ventured into the treacherous waters of dictating his wife's appearance, and let's just say, he didn't exactly bring a life raft. You might want to grab some popcorn for this one, it's a wild ride.
Today's tale involves a husband, his wife, and a confrontation about something as seemingly innocuous as makeup. However, the language used by our submitter has transformed a minor disagreement into a potentially relationship-ending insult. The question isn't just 'Am I the AITA,' it's 'How do you even begin to recover from a comment like that?' We're about to dive into the full story, and trust me, you won't believe what you're about to read.

"AITA for telling my wife she's not allowed to wear makeup anymore because it "makes her look like a prostitute"?"




Let's cut right to the chase: using the word 'prostitute' to describe your wife's appearance, regardless of your personal preferences, is an extremely offensive and deeply disrespectful act. It's not merely a critique of her makeup; it's a character assassination that crosses a line most partners wouldn't even conceive of approaching. This comment immediately shifts the dynamic from a discussion about aesthetics to a fundamental questioning of her dignity and value.
Beyond the inflammatory language, this situation highlights a significant issue of control and autonomy within the relationship. Your wife is an adult who is entitled to express herself through her appearance in any way she chooses, provided it doesn't harm herself or others. Attempting to dictate her makeup choices, especially under the guise of 'protecting our reputation,' feels less about concern and more about asserting dominance over her body and self-expression.
The impact of such a statement on trust and intimacy cannot be overstated. When a partner uses such demeaning terms, it erodes the very foundation of respect that a healthy marriage relies upon. Your wife's reaction – withdrawing, removing all makeup, and giving you the silent treatment – is a clear indication of the profound hurt and betrayal she felt. It's a wound that will likely take a long time, and significant effort, to heal.
While you may have felt genuine concern about external perceptions, the way you communicated that concern was catastrophic. There are countless ways to express a preference or even a worry about an event's formality without resorting to such vitriol. The core issue here isn't her makeup; it's the lack of respect and the controlling nature of your outburst. This incident demands serious introspection and a commitment to understanding the damage inflicted.
The Internet Weighs In: Is This The Ultimate Red Flag?
Unsurprisingly, the comment section for this post was an absolute firestorm, with an overwhelming consensus that the original poster is, indeed, the AITA. Users were quick to point out the deeply misogynistic and controlling nature of his remarks, emphasizing that a partner does not have the right to dictate another's appearance, let alone insult them so profoundly. The term 'prostitute' was widely condemned as utterly unacceptable and abusive in a marriage.
Many commenters urged the wife to seriously reconsider the future of her relationship, citing the husband's words as a major red flag for controlling behavior. Advice frequently revolved around couples counseling, but a significant portion of the feedback suggested that such a disrespectful comment might be grounds for separation. The general sentiment was that the husband had not only hurt his wife but had also exposed a deeply troubling aspect of his character.





This AITA post serves as a stark reminder that words have immense power, especially within intimate relationships. The submitter's choice of language crossed a line from mild disapproval to outright verbal abuse, leaving a significant rift in his marriage. Recovery will require genuine remorse, extensive communication, and likely professional help to address the underlying issues of control and respect. Ultimately, a healthy partnership thrives on mutual respect and autonomy, principles that were severely undermined in this painful exchange.