AITA for not making enough dinner?

Cooking dinner for the family should be a simple task, but one Redditor (OP) found himself in the middle of a heated debate when his wife came home to discover there was no food left for her. OP had taken care of dinner for himself and the kids, but when his wife arrived home later, she was upset that he hadn’t considered making extra for her. Was OP just following logic, or was he inconsiderate for not making sure there was food for everyone?

‘AITA for not making enough dinner?’

Experts in family dynamics and relationship counseling suggest that communication and consideration are key elements in maintaining harmony at home. Dr. Emily Carter, a family therapist, explains: “In any household, the division of responsibilities should include an unspoken understanding of each other’s needs. While OP may not have intentionally excluded his wife from dinner, failing to anticipate her needs could make her feel overlooked or unimportant. A simple gesture like setting aside a plate of food could have avoided the entire conflict.”

Similarly, psychologist Dr. Robert Hayes emphasizes that passive-aggressiveness often arises from unmet expectations: “When people feel unconsidered, they sometimes react not with direct communication but with frustration. OP’s wife may have expected him to naturally include her in dinner plans, while OP assumed she would take care of herself. This mismatch in expectations is a common cause of household disagreements.”

Relationship coach Linda Marshall suggests a proactive approach: “Instead of putting the emotional labor on one partner to ask for consideration, couples can set clear expectations about shared responsibilities. In this case, a quick text before cooking—‘Should I make enough for you too?’—could have easily prevented any misunderstandings.”

Ultimately, this situation highlights the importance of proactive thoughtfulness in relationships. A small act of consideration can go a long way in making a partner feel valued and appreciated.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit users had a lot to say about this situation, with opinions split between those who thought OP was being reasonable and those who believed he was inconsiderate.

That is not hours. Point two is… you didn’t cook. You heated up hot dogs. Not sure if that is normal for your family, or could she be upset about the fact you actually didn’t cook at all? Point three is that you just… should have made enough. Even if it had taken long she would still have had to eat?

OP’s actions may not have been intentionally inconsiderate, but they did leave his wife feeling left out. While some argue that she should have just said what she wanted, others believe that OP should have taken initiative and ensured there was enough food for everyone. So, what do you think? Was OP just being practical, or was he in the wrong for not planning dinner with his wife in mind?