AITA for telling my wife that she needs to shut up about her company?
Step into a warm family dinner, where laughter fades as a mother’s work tales drown out her daughter’s voice, teetering on a pivotal moment. This Reddit story unfolds with a father’s sharp plea for his wife to listen, not lecture, as their teen daughter hints at coming out. His blunt words—“shut up” about her company—spark tears and tension. Was he too harsh? Reddit and experts dive into this tangle of family bonds and missed connections.
The wife’s startup obsession overshadows her daughters’ needs, especially the eldest’s resentment. This tale of parenting and priorities pulls us into a debate about listening and love. Let’s explore the story, community takes, and expert insights.
‘AITA for telling my wife that she needs to shut up about her company?’
This father’s blunt call to his wife was a desperate bid to protect their daughter’s moment. Her work talk, a constant refrain, silenced a potential coming-out, deepening family rifts. Dr. Lisa Damour, a teen psychology expert, says, “Active listening validates a child’s identity and fosters trust.” The wife’s focus on her startup, while a point of pride, alienates her daughters, who crave her presence, not her resume.
The wife’s work-heavy identity reflects a broader issue: parental absence due to career demands. Surveys show 65% of teens want more quality time with parents, especially during milestones like coming out. Her daughters’ disengagement signals unresolved pain from her absence.
Damour’s work stresses listening over lecturing. The father’s harsh words, though jarring, aimed to refocus his wife. Family therapy could help her connect through shared activities.
These are the responses from Reddit users:
Reddit’s rallying with a firm “NTA” and a dash of wit. Here’s their vibrant take:
![[Reddit User] - NTA if she wants to rebuild her relationship with the kids, she needs to be present with them. Constantly talking over them about her work that made them feel abandoned is... not that. I feel for her she's clearly got some complex feelings that are also upset here, but she's the parent. It's her job to reach out to her kids with the greater effort. If she expects to be understood, she should try understanding them first.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/246990cm-02.png)
![[Reddit User] - Nta if she wants to connect to her kids, this isn’t the way to do it. If you want her to work less hours would she be receptive if you got a job?](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/246990cm-14.png)
These opinions pack a punch, but do they miss nuances? Reddit’s a lively stage—let’s see if they hit the mark.
This story weaves a knot of love, resentment, and missed moments. The father’s sharp words aimed to amplify his daughter’s voice, but they cut deep. Could a softer nudge have worked? It’s a dance of parenting and patience. What would you do if a loved one’s focus drowned out a child’s big moment? Share your thoughts—how do you balance pride and presence?
