AITA for telling my wife we shouldn’t have a baby until she sees a dr about her anxiety and stops cleaning so much?

Imagine a house so spotless it could double as a surgical suite, the air thick with the sharp tang of bleach and pine. For one husband, let’s call him James, this is daily life with his wife, whose self-diagnosed anxiety fuels an endless cleaning spree. As their two-year marriage hits the baby-planning milestone, James is pumping the brakes, insisting she see a doctor about her anxiety and curb the chemical overload before they bring a child into their sterile world.

This isn’t just about a sparkling countertop—it’s about health, safety, and a marriage at a crossroads. James’s ultimatum has his wife fuming, accusing him of doubting her as a future mom. Reddit’s jumped in, tossing out takes as bold as a bottle of industrial cleaner. Is James right to prioritize mental health and a safer home, or is he scrubbing away his wife’s feelings? Let’s dive into this squeaky-clean drama.

‘AITA for telling my wife we shouldn’t have a baby until she sees a dr about her anxiety and stops cleaning so much?’

The broader issue is mental health stigma in family planning. A 2022 study in The Lancet found that 15-20% of women experience heightened anxiety during pregnancy, with untreated cases risking postpartum complications . James’s ultimatum, while blunt, stems from concern for his wife’s well-being and a future child’s safety. Her refusal to seek help, insisting she has it “managed,” suggests denial that could strain their marriage further.

Dr. Saltz advises, “Couples facing mental health challenges should seek joint counseling to align goals.” James could propose couples therapy to discuss her anxiety and cleaning habits, framing it as a team effort rather than a judgment. Suggesting eco-friendly cleaning days or a trial period with a therapist could ease her into professional help. By showing support while holding firm on safety, James can keep the conversation open without wiping out trust.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Reddit rolled in like a cleaning crew on overdrive, dishing out opinions with the zest of a lemon-scented wipe. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the community:

These Redditors scrubbed through James’s dilemma, cheering his concern for safety while questioning his wife’s resistance to help. Some saw his ultimatum as a necessary wake-up call, others worried it felt too harsh. But do their takes clean up the whole picture, or are they just spraying opinions everywhere?

James’s push to delay baby plans until his wife tackles her anxiety is a messy mix of love, worry, and tough love. With their home drowning in chemical fumes and her mental health unaddressed, he’s fighting for a safer future. But has his ultimatum polished their path forward or left smudges on their marriage? What would you do if your partner’s habits raised red flags before starting a family? Share your thoughts below and let’s mop up this domestic drama!