I Told My Wife I'm Not Going To Her Family's Events And Now She's Making Me Choose r/Relationships

[@hothotheat3000]

The fact that he had to take her to a public place to prevent a tantrum says it all: he’s married to a child.

[@JK-sh8rc]

Story 1: OP, tell us you're a spineless jellyfish without telling us you're a spineless jellyfish.

[@Aisene0910]

It boggles my mind how Reddit has somehow normalized adults throwing tantrums like children. If anyone I knew started to scream and cry to try to get their way, they’d be gone pretty much immediately. Like, even if I’d been willing to do what they wanted or prone to compromise, that would shut it completely down.

[@aalokshah8655]

i mean people randomly act that way sometimes. no one is perfect. When they talked she apologized and listened to his perspective and they created a productive solution

[@pragatisingh8467]

@@aalokshah8655no they don’t 💀

[@pezchef7577]

not only that but happy wife happy life is soooo cringe and outdated. change that mindset to happy spouse happy house. that way it's about the partnership and not just "oh the woman is only in the house so make her happy" nonsense.

[@paulastiles5507]

Story #2: Only immature brats are paranoid about being "too old" for kids' entertainment. The ex FAFOed (and cheated) and the cousin needs to butt out. Let Cuz date him if she's that into him. What is it with meddling cousins in these stories, anyway?

[@travislee3203]

I’m 63 and I’ll still watch old cartoons. Looney tunes, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Etc. Anybody mocks me for my entertainment, they can start running!

[@DoritoBot9000]

True! How is so much extended family always involved in these dramatic stories?

[@thecoolgrandma7208]

@@travislee3203 60s too and love cartoons, Pokemon, Disney as well as Looney Tunes etc. And I'm sorry... what about The Simpson's, King of the Hill and other adult cartoons?! 🤔 forgot names 😂😂😂 Some of our old cartoons have very adult jokes that give me an oh sh*t, how did I not realize moment. 😉 What nerve, I refuse to grow up.

[@nikkiwhray1598]

How DARE the OP's wife and mother-in-law claim to value "family" while simultaneously expecting OP to abandon his own ailing Mom & Grandmom to spend every holiday completely alone. Especially considering the wife's family have 25+ others to celebrate with. Disgraceful!

[@star3catcherSEQUEL]

Possibly unpopular opinion, but like 98% of people who say they value family are assholes who use "family" as a euphemism for their own or someone else's selfish wishes. That's not to say that valuing family is bad, just that everyone I've met or seen who makes a point of claiming they "value family" usually has a dysfunctional idea of what family is.

[@forestgrump4723]

I mean a good argument from OP would be "If that's the case, my parents and grandparents are now her family too. She should want to see them if it's truly about family being important to her."

[@Kati_P]

@@star3catcherSEQUEL That's been my experience as well. A lot of people with a "head of the family" and "ALWAYS respect and listen to the elders" kind of dynamic. Also, I've noticed that there's a lot of "you help me whenever and however I want because faaamily, and I'll help you if I feel like it" and "you should ALWAYS back me, even when I'm wrong, or you don't love and support me" mind-sets with a majority of that personality type that I've encountered. Very manipulative and usury. I stay as far away from them as possible.

[@robertx8020]

OP's wife sounds like a ENTITLED POS! and the same for her family

[@BlueSkyBS]

Not really unpopular. It seems to be this for the majority of cases. Then again, we only hear about the dysfunctional ones because of the drama it creates, so....

[@MarshmallowCUPCAKee1]

#1: the moment she said “it’s your family or mine” I would have told her to get lost. OP is a pushover and her family is selfish. One day OP you’ll see your wife is toxic too.

[@enkiimuto1041]

Hell, I don't even like my family but in that context I'd tell her to go eat grass

[@GrifoStelle]

Yes. The way she seemed to cut him out of her family in that sentence was pretty rough.

[@hotjanuary]

And he’s going to regret all the time he missed with his family.

[@kardellious]

He also never got an apology, in fact she disrespected him once more before the matter was settled.

[@MaryTheresa1986]

I hope he sees the light before they have children. Better yet, no babies/sex until she gets a permanent attitude adjustment.

[@faesolada445]

2nd story. The guy deserved it. My husband (45) and myself (43) still watch cartoons. SpongeBob, Avatar, invader Zim, …We watch the 80s cartoons that we grew up on. My husband still plays with some of the toys he grew up with. He says “the moment you stop being a child inside, is the moment you start dying.” And I think that’s a really good outlook on life.

[@Jessidafennecfox]

I'm turning 42 and still watch cartoons and talk about them with my nephews, we all loathe stuff like teen titans go, we prefer teen titans it is awesome.

[@TheMimiSard]

I won't copy-paste it here, but there is a famous quote from C.S. Lewis about how true adulthood is getting over being worried about being seen as "childish".

[@truthseeker9249]

EXACTLY. I'm 20 years old. I basically grew up in front of the T.V. I know that's bad for you and I should have spent more time outside. But T.V. was my best friend because I could get lost in the shows and they all just fueled my already strong and active imagination. They also gave me the sense of humor my boyfriend loves so much. I even still watch the BABY shows I grew up with. The shows on Noggin like Backyardigans, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, Max and Ruby, and Little Bill (an essential show for black children); and the good shows on PBS kids like Super Why, Martha Speaks, WordGirl, etc. I dig around the internet and watch those re-runs all the time because those shows are GOOD. They are well made, well-written kid shows that teach kids well and even adults can chuckle at them. Plus watching that stuff just takes me back, back to childhood. Childhood when I was truly happy before my life went to hell and I became depressed. Spongebob was my whole world. It still is. When Stephen Hillenburg passed away I was devastated. He gave me my childhood. I will never stop watching my childhood shows. Never ever. I'll be in front of the T.V. watching that stuff with my kids. I won't just leave them in front of the T.V. I'll actually watch with them because I genuinely want to. Your husband's right. No one should ever let go of their inner child and if anyone ever tries to get me to I will spit in their face.

[@aspidistraeliator]

Grew up watching cartoons with my grandmother, in her 70s she loved them, now I watch with mine

[@ynmonroe]

Right? I mean, how does it matter. My mom loved cartoons her whole life. Was it all she watched? Of course not. But if it was so what?

[@justinjones-smith5168]

Story 1: My guy, put your foot down. Marriage isn't all about what the wife wants.

[@xelectrix]

Also, why wouldn't they have included OP's mom and grandma in the plans?

[@fandomfan2800]

yes it is

[@aspidistraeliator]

@@fandomfan2800 no, it's about the couple, which is made of 2 separate people with needs

[@SuperSilver66]

@@fandomfan2800 anyway

[@ronhall5395]

To be honest 75% of the problem was her mum. She made all the plans and never bothered to consult. Just assumed it would be good because she planned it. Wife was going along with her mum. I am very proud of OP for standing his ground. The alternate plan seems much better anyways and will give him a chance to spend precious time with his Parents and Gran. Glad to see they worked it all out.

[@fanfiction4thewin149]

If she throws a toddler tantrum at him wanting him to see his parents. Then she isn’t mature enough for marriage

[@DoritoBot9000]

Running to her mommy because she has a disagreement with the husband seems so extreme to me.

[@MaryTheresa1986]

OP needs to send her back to mommy indefinitely and tell her to finish growing up.

[@invisible123-l9d]

HE was the one who threw the toys out of the pram, and stamped his feet, like a toddler. If he cared for his family as much as he claims, why has he never bothered about seeing them before? You will be boring, and spew the usual misogynist drivel, as you do not have the balls to reply RESPECTFULLY to a WOMAN, and a NON-AMERICAN.

[@desireeloveros1055]

Dude really called himself a pedo and thinks HE deserves an apology 🤦‍♀️

[@carolroberts4614]

He's an idiot! I'm 69 and I like cartoons! If they still did the Saturday morning cartoons on TV I'd be watching them! Wacky Races ,Roadrunner, The Flintstones( my absolute favourite!)

[@desertgirl8647]

@@carolroberts4614 the good old days, my parents would be sleeping in and my brothers and i would be in the living room with our bowls of cereal and watching cartoons.

[@peterhobson3262]

@@carolroberts4614 I'm 74 and I binge watch Animaniacs cartoons last week. Also I knew how to do laundry since I was 10 and I got my driver's license at 17 on the first try.

[@robertx8020]

I would date someone thta likes cartoons any day I would stay away from a person who still needs his/her mommy for most stuff But how stupid are those friends?

[@coreymartin6486]

He wasn't just insulting OP. He was insulting his friend as well. I would guess that some of the others who laughed watched cartoons as well, but didn't have a spine like that one friend did.

[@debbymccormack6525]

One day I was at the grocery store. I saw this little girl dancing. We locked eyes and I started dancing too. It was a brief interaction, but her giggles at having an old woman dance with her in the milk aisle made my day.

[@kristinecollier9155]

That's Beautiful

[@ZoeAlleyne]

I was in Italy many years ago, and there was this delightful old man. We did that "oops, sorry, oops sorry" thing when we tried to move around the other and ended up getting in the way. So he gently took my hand and spun me around like we were in a dance until I was on the side of the path I had been heading on. Then he kissed my hand, tipped his hat, and carried on. We never stop finding joy in human kindness, empathy and fun. And we never should.

[@desertgirl8647]

@@ZoeAlleyne This made me tear up, what a sweet gesture and you were receptive to it, Bravo!

[@peterhobson3262]

@@ZoeAlleyne What a delightful story.

[@prin0428]

@ZoeAlleyne This is a beautiful story and a wonderful memory this kind gentleman gifted you to cherish for many years to come!!

[@samdiel5527]

Story 2: I just turn 35 past Monday and I still watch cartoons I grew up with! You don't need to stop something you enjoy from your childhood that is harmless.

[@christinacartter9784]

Me too at almost 40. The old ones hit a bit different with life experience, and are even more enjoyable.

[@francesa_loca6920]

I’m in my 50s and still watch cartoons…proud of it, too 😂

[@greninjastorm6734]

Reminder that Bluey, a kids cartoon about a 6 year old puppy, has become extremely popular with adults

[@fuzzylittlespider]

@@greninjastorm6734 I'm 32 and I just Binge watched every Bluey episode. It can be surprising deep for a kids show. It's adorable, hilarious and can get very emotional.

[@DoritoBot9000]

36 here, I watch some of the newer stuff as well if I hear a lot of positive reviews. Many are better written that most shows ment for “adults”

[@kaykay8855]

Story 2: “We don’t stop playing when we get old, we grow old when we stop playing.”

[@sagesaria]

Story 2, a little perspective that I've always stood by that I think people forget: If everybody stopped watching cartoons, playing video games, or other things that people consider 'childish...' those things would die out completely. Do you think people grow up wanting to be voice actors or artists or writers for cartoons or video games out of a desire for financial gain and nothing else? No! People go into the industry because they have some level of passion for it! And squashing that passion the moment they're a legal adult is how the industry dies out.

[@lilypaddington1797]

I LOVED the way OP handled herself in story 2, taking no bullshit or bullying and shooting down all the whiny excuses immediately. It was so satisfying lmao!

[@coreymartin6486]

Yeah, I respect her for putting her foot down. She was gracious to be as patient as she was.....but you gotta stop it at some point. Like a true narcissist, he felt like he deserved an apology for being called out the bad behavior he started.

[@thomasjoseph5876]

She handled it poorly. She was the victim the first couple of times and then she became an enabler of his horrible behavior until she finally had enough. By then, she had sent all the signals to him that she didn't mind his behavior and disrespect toward her. If she would have REALLY handled it correctly, they would have never gone out on the picnic for the first date. She should have booted him from her house and told him to grow up and never call her again.

[@peteranon8455]

@@thomasjoseph5876's correct. I'm older than OP and if I were called out as a child for enjoying anything animated, we're done. OP didn't like the guy for consistently being a tool, but went along with it for whatever reason (free food? Low self esteem? she couldn't get a different tall guy?)

[@Daimah]

@@peteranon8455 It could be a case of optimism on her part, as in she gave him too much of the benefit of the doubt. She might have thought that maybe he would make that joke a couple of times and move on.

[@peteranon8455]

@@Daimah Oh, that's a really beautiful way to look at it. My jaded face took to naivety, simplicity, solipsism, or stupidity.

[@videofan1010]

Story#2 - he was trying to lower her self esteem.

[@AndyyWithAY]

Birthdays are supposed to be about the birthday person. A 3 week trip with 25 plus people sounds like a complete and total nightmare to me. There's nothing wrong with "boring" family. Boring has become a synonym for introverts and not being constantly loud and obnoxious. OP doesnt have to come on this trip. His wife can go and he can see his sick relatives

[@carolroberts4614]

If I could choose, I would go with op and his little family, never in a million years would I want to spend a holiday with 25 others!

[@AndyyWithAY]

My dad's family is the opposite of boring. It's always super fun. But it's fun for a few hours, I wouldn't want to go on a 3 week vacation with them.

[@thehaveninthehand]

My family is all made up of ambiverts. We all like to have social fun for a few hours, but then we need a lot of downtime. In the end it ends up with us all just hanging on the giant corner couch watching tv or doing our own thing in the same room. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

[@balanc-joy9187]

@@thehaveninthehand That sounds wonderful. Wish my family was like that, instead of being the "Let's talk and talk and talk" type. Just a little bit of silence would be wonderful...

[@ronhall5395]

Agree, two days maybe, after that no thanks. After a week the gloves tend to come off. Three weeks with my family and fist would be flying. Love them, but don't want bro live with them.

[@Its2l84Lalu]

Phineas and Ferb is not a kids show, it’s one of the most genius and clever cartoons that I’ve ever laid eyes on. Dan Povenmire is an absolute genius and I love rewatching episodes and seeing the clever jokes that flew over my head as a kid.

[@nikkiwhray1598]

My husband and I loved that show as much, if not more, than our daughter did growing up. The music was amazing! We still sing a few of them around our house.

[@luarana_alba]

Kids shows and clever writing don't have to be mutually exclusive. Often times they are written for the whole family and with good life lessons built in. Animation is a medium, not a genre, and family programs are meant for all ages

[@ronhall5395]

Most of these shows have a lot of adult topics disguised as cartoons. I am not familiar with this one. My sons were into Dragon Ball Z. A few times I had to hit the fast forward button. Always a good idea to watch cartoons with your kids. Never know what the theme might be.

[@Its2l84Lalu]

@@ronhall5395 I mean it was made by Disney, they’re pretty strict about not having any inappropriate content in their children’s media. I highly recommend you check this show out though! Its about children being creative and doesn’t talk down to the audience. It holds up, even watching it as a childless adult lol.

[@samanthaw3845]

Also, I’d bet a fair bit of money that the ex-bf thinks all anime falls under the umbrella of “kid’s cartoons” and I’m like. First of all, shows like Phineas & Ferb or Avatar the Last Airbender are excellent (possibly even better) as adults. Secondly, no one with a brain would look at something like Tokyo Ghoul or Parasyte and think it’s appropriate for small children lol.

[@Vallyrah]

Story 2: As a 47 year old woman with three adult children. If I'm not hurting anyone, I can watch whatever the hell I want to. Who cares? He is a judgmental prick and you are better off without him. Doing it once can be forgiven, but once you tell him to stop it ends or the relationship ends. I've been with the same partner for 25+ years and he is no saint, but he understands the word "no" and "stop". ANYONE who doesn't respect those words, or how his actions affect you after being told is not someone you should be involved with.

[@hunnykun101]

I'm in my early 30s and still enjoy anime, childhood cartoon and newer cartoons. Enjoy what you watch regardless of age

[@obsidianagent]

40 now, still watching cartoons! And Phineas and Ferb is brilliant, my hubby and I watched it together after work so much, we quote it as each other!

[@TheIronwil]

Story 1: This is ridiculous and isn’t going to end well. I guarantee his wife didn’t just suddenly “see the light”. This relationship has been built as a one-way street where OP accommodates his wife in everything she wants. He has helped build this dynamic by being too weak to set healthy boundaries. Of course his wife threw a fit and ran to her parents. She’s immature because she’s never had to grow up and compromise with OP. Most shade goes to OP’s wife, but he has built this hate machine.

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

Yeah year 6 is a bad year to start sticking up for yourself. She's only going to get worse when they have children. I agree that he shouldn't divorce his wife over this but he's kind of annoying how he blindly defends her and this is actually a symptom of a much deeper problem.

[@enkiimuto1041]

Problem is, she might have "seen the light' on this situation after he basically grabbed her head and pointed a flashlight on her. I am pretty sure the best case scenario is the next 2 years will follow with several going to her parents because he refused to do something that could just have talked through

[@carolroberts4614]

She's getting a cruise out of it this time, but I think this scenario will occur again.

[@Grace_x68]

Agree.

[@BlueSkyBS]

@@Aaron-kj8dv I dunno.... Year 6 seems to be the point where the problems that lead to the 7 year itch begin.

[@quilaviper]

I'm 24 and I still watch cartoons lmao, a lot of them are meant to be fun for all ages. There's a huge difference between Cocomelon stuff and things like Phineas and Ferb or Gravity Falls or Villainous... A lot of cartoons are TONS of fun no matter the age! (Though it depends on everybody's personal tastes too, of course) Some "kid's cartoons" can even get really dark and mature, like Trollhunters and The Owl House... It's a huge genre with many different flavours, lol. Blows my mind that people still believe enjoying certain things is something to be ashamed of, like, how miserable of a person do you have to be? 😂

[@truthseeker9249]

I'll bust somebody's teeth out if they tell me I shouldn't watch Spongebob anymore. Spongebob is everything to me and it's meant for people of all ages.

[@WyntheRogue]

^^^ This! There are so many good shows and last I checked, animation is for everyone [Bob Chapek can bugger off with his statement] Sure, they're kid friendly but there's hidden gems here and there for adults to enjoy be it a cheeky, satirical joke or an Easter egg of something from our childhood. I'm 37 and still enjoy cartoons and can't help but shake my head at people being so insecure they judge other people over entertainment preferences. I work a decent job, pay my bills and taxes on time is having a guilty pleasure really going to make the world go to Hell in a handbasket? [Highly doubt it] Society would be a little less miserable if we'd stop being judgey mo fos to one another [ Not counting those who commit actual malicious illegal acts obvi] Seriously though, that guy can get bend and am glad OP found a cool dude to geek out with.

[@carlrood4457]

Phineas and Ferb clearly has a wink and nod to old timers like me who grew up before helicopter parenting. We built go-carts and raced them in the streets. We had so much more freedom to imagine and do things on our own.

[@Vipre-]

When my little niece is watching some show or another, Paw Patrol is a fun one to do, I like to watch with her and call out the plot inconsistencies just to rile up her mom.

[@nightmarehound]

Also the shows are made by adults, who know that other adults will watch them (willingly or not XD) and generally strive to make them either entertaining or the very least bearable. It feels like people who question cartoons totally forget this fact, and assume that all cartoons are just colour mush you put on for a child to keep it quiet. Imagine if people said this about eating ice cream or dessert. "You're an adult, why do you still eat ice cream? You know ice cream is just for kids because kids just want sugar and you give it to them to stop them from whining".

[@thebigmystery7841]

Someone who could instantly judge Phineas and Ferb like that really shows their character. Its one of the most wholesome funniest kid cartoons and its writing was made SPECIFICALLY to be appealing to both kids and adults. I cant remember how many times Ive quoted "If I had a nickel for everytime (insert thing here), Id have two nickels. Which isnt a lot, but its wierd its happened twice." Like...HOW is that not hilarious? Shows he has no imagination or humor.

[@fuzzylittlespider]

I hear that quote more than any other quote from the whole intire show.

[@corlenajames1381]

Story 2: I'm an adult, married & everything & I still watch cartoons. I find them to be a very relaxing contrast to the seriousness of life. My granddad used to love watching Looney Toons & Tom n Jerry, even well into his 70s. We'd hear him laughing loudly in his den at the antics of Bugs & Daffy.

[@jessilyngray1223]

That second story...I am 40 and I watch Phineas and Ferb. Hell I sometimes even watch it with my children. Agent P is the best

[@coreymartin6486]

I'm turning 40 this month and I would totally watch an Avatar(nickelodeon cartoon) spin-off if it was about the old gang(Aang, toph, sokka, etc) In the mean time, I regularly watch anime.

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

This guy's wife is a monster and he's covering for her 1. "Happy wife, happy life" is a threat, not a cute saying. 2. He took her out to dinner to put his foot down so she wouldn't scream at him. 3. She called him a child saying "we can't go until he throws his toys out the pram" or whatever. I think most likely her entire family has issues showing people respect and they're obviously very wealthy taking 25 people on a 3 week trip. I feel for this guy because she's going to suck his soul out and leave a husk of him there.

[@GIChiyo]

Story 2: Wow this dude is super insecure, cut him out early before you get invested

[@CanonSkyrissian]

story 1: I'm not even past all the sacrifices op has made for his wife and I already smell a messy divorce in the horizon

[@asmith8692]

Wifey sounds abusive. Isolation is abusive.

[@carolroberts4614]

And she got a cruise out of it!

[@Russman67]

Story 2: So the ex-boyfriend can dish it out but can't take it coming back. How very mature of him. 🤦‍♂️ Maybe this good best friend can teach him how to wash his clothes so he doesn't turn his underwear pink.

[@BlueSkyBS]

It's what you get when someone LARPs as an adult.

[@vanzy01]

👍🏿

[@Davtwan]

“She does so much for me and is normally a kind and loving person.” Yeaaaah, not sure if that matters as much as he thinks. Doing terrible stuff in a relationship has so much more bad value when marriage is involved. Remember, marriage means the knot is tied and divorce is harder to go through the longer a marriage is due to all the accumulated assets. OP can try to fix the marriage if he wants. It’s just he should also realize manipulation shouldn’t be downplayed _especially_ when marriage is involved. Edit: Good to see OP made her wife see the light. He’s well on his way. 👍

[@paulastiles5507]

Story #1: OP, choose your family. She doesn't value you. She doesn't value your family. Let her stay at her mother's until she figures it out. Go to couples counseling if she's willing. But stand up for yourself and your side of the family. They deserve better than this nonsense your wife is pulling.

[@thomasjoseph5876]

So many people still haven't figured it out. Your blood family is the family you are born and stuck with until such a time you can leave and replace them. Your friends and lover are the family you choose and are much more important than your blood family. If you have a great blood family then that is awesome and can include them in your future chosen family, but not everyone does.

[@paulastiles5507]

@@thomasjoseph5876 I think it's more that your blood family is your starter kit. If parts of the starter kit are rotten and abusive, you can throw those parts out. In this case, however, OP has no problems with his starter kit. His blood relatives are growing frail and need his assistance, and he wants to be there for him. His in-laws are insulted because that cuts into their fun. I don't think his priorities are wonky at all.

[@AndyyWithAY]

How TF can all these people get THREE weeks off work? That's my main question Edit: This is in the UK. I knew this wasn't in the US

[@carolroberts4614]

Most of us in the UK might have difficulty getting 3 weeks together! Some jobs specify no more than 2, but you can juggle with weekends and says off sometimes! The only time I ever got more than two weeks off in a row was when I was Ill!

[@AndyyWithAY]

@Carol Roberts that makes sense! This is just unheard of in America. Many jobs have zero PTO, vacation etc. Unless everyone planned it years in advance getting that many people off for that long seems near impossible to me

[@_BBAGG_]

@@AndyyWithAY I find this very damn sad, where I live paid leave is mandatory no matter the job, the job I'm currently working I get 1.75 days of Paid leave per month.

[@cathyfugue]

Well, in my country the standard is 4 weeks annual leave. Obviously this isn't the case for casual employees but it's the standard for most employees. Also 3 months long service leave after 10 years (usually available pro rata after 7 years)

[@PrincessQ-fj9ly]

I remember this story. I read it with Lost Genre first. I was obviously angry at OP's wife but at the same time, I wish OP had put his foot down sooner. Though, I understand that OP's wife clearly knew how to manipulate him. And at least OP admits that he's let her get away with too much. And I agree with the phrase "Happy Wife, Happy Life" being outdated. I think it should be only used for little things like gifts and stuff, not the whole relationship. For that, I prefer the new phrase "Happy Spouse, Happy House". No one gets married with the expectation to obey and serve their spouse in this day and age, male or female. In modern day, marriage depends on love, respect, communication and compromise. 💕 But I'm so glad OP's wife came to her senses and apologized for being so selfish. I'm also glad that OP is going to be standing up for himself from now on. I too consider a happy update and a step in the right direction. ❤️ But at the same time, I'm cautiously optimistic because forced change usually doesn't last long. Hopefully things continue to get better.

[@Tammohawk1]

1. Seems to me as if OP's in-laws decided on this trip and failed to ask OP about it. This is what happens when you do things like that. Glad to see they worked everything out in the end and OP found his shiny spine. 2. This 60 yr. old adult woman still watches cartoons. I didn't know that there was an age limit on them. Can't say that I don't blame OP for doing what she did. She asked him repeatedly to stop, he didn't and got a bit of karma served hot. lol 3. This one put a HUGE smile on my face.

[@enkiimuto1041]

"She hadn't even considered from my point of view"... something about the guy's birthday that spent days trying to explain. Totally not a red flag.

[@monicacurtis3986]

I'm 36 and I LOVE Phineas and Ferb! You're never too old for a good cartoon!

[@carlrood4457]

As a dad, tearing up my knee last year turned into one great teaching moment for my two older boys (high school). I normally did their laundry, but I couldn't go down the basement after surgery. I talked them doing their laundry themselves and have been doing it ever since. Never even asked me to do it after I was back on my feet.

[@maxinemyers9215]

Love Phineas and Ferb and I’m 74! Always watched the show with my grandchildren ❤️

[@rf159a]

I'm 64 and still watch cartoons. They brighten my day!!

[@carolroberts4614]

Same here at 69! Particularly the ones I watched with my children and grandchildren when they were young! And even some around in my own chidhood!

[@myeternalteardrop]

Story 2: I’m 31 and I still watch cartoons, and not just the ones from my childhood. I’d often just have the tv on in the background for noise and I’d put it on the cartoon channel because I didn’t really care about any of the shows so it really wouldn’t distract me from what I was doing, but it didn’t stop me from liking and even becoming invested in some of the shows and I stg these shows are written just as much for the adults as they are for the kids because they contain references that their target audience just wouldn’t get. There was one particular show that I liked, so much so that I even started looking for it on streaming services after I got rid of my cable because I still wanted to watch it. Just finished watching the most recent season available and plan on watching the next season, which is sadly its final season :( but I digress. Nothing wrong with watching some toons!

[@Elleore]

Story 2: Dude, I would’ve dumped this guy so many times over. Frick these ‘adults.’ A person should enjoy whatever they like as long as it’s not hurting anyone.

[@Mkay999]

He plays such a martyr. Wife is certainly wrong in this case, but he said he prefers to hangout with her family than 2 sentences later acts like he sacrificed to move closer to her family.

[@meezerluvr]

Story 2 - I was far into adulthood when Phineas and Ferb came out. I loved the show. It had humor in it that seemed specifically designed to keep parents interested. My kids (all adults now) and I still occasionally watch reruns and frequently make jokes related to the show. OP's ex-bf is fundamentally broken and an AH of the first order. I pity any woman who is unfortunate enough to get yoked to him.

[@Mama_Bear_of_3]

Story 2. Hell! I am 51, and I still love to watch reruns of the Smurfs, and Dragon Tails!

[@mbyerly9680]

70. Me, too.

[@lonniecrawford6991]

The second story is hilarious. At least the OP didn't waste much time on a loser.

[@ScaryBoomBoomGun]

Phineas & Ferb is an awesome cartoon. Bluey is great too. I plan to keep watching them for the foreseeable future.

[@kolonarulez5222]

Story 2: I introduced my best gaming friend to another friend and they proceeded to belittle me over "not being smart enough to understand Grey's Anatomy" when a few hours before we'd be screaming over cartoons. People are awful

[@dodgyyoutuber9560]

Grey’s Anatomy lol really?

[@coreymartin6486]

And the funny thing is that real doctors on KZbin have pointed out the flaws in the show.

[@janenorwood1614]

Story 1 - "The first time I say no, it's like I never said yes". And she even said her family was more important..smh

[@kerribottriell-baxter7345]

I'm thirty-freaking-eight-years-old and I STILL watch cartoons! Why? Because they're awesome! Cartoons are not just for children, and there are cartoons specifically MADE for adults! And... these people are in their 20s? Never knew 20-something was seen as too mature for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spongebob Squarepants and Sesame Street... (I know Sesame Street isn't really a cartoon).

[@ljh5141]

Little kindnesses make such a big impact. You will only realise this once you are the giver or the recipient. I am blessed to have had both.❤️

[@TsukiKageTora]

You know every once in awhile I choose to watch cartoons meant for toddlers or younger kids. There is no harm in it trying to get away from the stress of every day. Besides, my dogs like Paw Patrol lol. I also love Hey Duggee which is pretty adorable I hate the mentality that you have to stop liking something just because you reach a certain age. Why do you have to cease what makes you happy or what you enjoy cause someone else more bitter says you’re too old for it? Just because you’re bitter as an adult doesn’t mean we should either ETA: granted I don’t watch it every day

[@kdfischer5910]

S1..you knew what you were getting into b4 you got married..you know EXACTLY what you need to do

[@bmarie1001]

Second to Last story, my 60 year old father LOVES Phineas and Ferb. I do too! And if I everrrr find Tom and Jerry kids on a streaming platform it's going DOWN

[@chillard3938]

The guy in story 2 can kick rocks, blow bubbles and chew bricks. I am 45 and my daughter is 21. We were watching episodes of Phineas and Ferb yesterday. Having to adult all the time is draining.Be a kid when you don't have to be an adult.

[@KE-hr4sb]

I've had some people do small acts of kindness to me. Everytime I think about them, even years later, I send good thoughts and well-wishes and hope they get back more than they gave out.

[@alboyer6]

I'm in my 40s and live a good cartoon. Phineas and Ferb rocks. They are bringing it back!

[@ashassassin]

Story 2 was just great! As an adult that watches cartoons I am here for this. F that guy for making fun of her. And I'm so glad she met someone with similar interests

[@fcold9402]

1. So YOU have to decide what is more important, your family or her. Meanwhile she has already made her choice and it was her family. Tell her you are choosing the same option she chose.

[@blakezummo264]

This one's fresh off the press, always love to see a new video! Hope you're having a good one Mark

[@Quixotic_Dreamer]

Story 2- Oh,, bless his heart. I'd have dumped him right on the spot. A "good guy" doesn't waltz into your home and immediately judge you for consuming harmless, educational media. A "good guy" wouldn't then continue to belittle and make fun of you, especially in front of family and friends. Lastly, a "good guy" wouldn't then cry like the victim about not being able to take what's he's been dishing out this whole time. I think it's especially interesting that he's holding OP to his narrow view of what adulthood should look like, while engaging in school yard bully tactics. Someone tell this man growing up doesn't mean getting boring asf and abandoning everything that's made you feel joy.

[@Weirdandwonderfull19]

S1- OPs wife and inlaws sound like very self centered and selfish people. If that's how an adult behaves to being told "no" then I dread to think how future kids could end up behaving 😱. S2- That boyfriend 🙄. He can make fun of other people but has a hissy fit when OP gives it back. I genuinely believe that some people go round dishing out insults and making "jokes" because deep-down, they're deeply insecure people. Nothing wrong with watching cartoons as an adult. I, 35f, recently rewatched Animals of Farthing Wood for the nostalgia. I still enjoy DBZ 🤷🏻‍♀️. I like what I like, and I really don't care what others think. If you have an issue with what people watch for enjoyment, then you really need to grow up.

[@CatLoverX74]

So glad she dumped him and didn’t apologize! I’m 48 and love cartoons! Bluey is absolutely hilarious it’s one of my favorites. All time favorite growing up and still can’t be touched? Scooby-Doo 😁

[@dakotasan8719]

My old man is 56 years old and he thoroughly enjoys Phineas and Ferb. Hell, he loves watching Bluey with my nieces.

[@joshuaortega1852]

The cheek on that ex boyfriend.

[@ridgewalker5718]

I love Phineas and Ferb ,even bought a bunch of cds of them. I am 68.😊

[@lauraanderson9614]

How dare anyone question the social value of Phineas and Ferb!

[@broken_queer_but_fighting8589]

The last story is so sweet aw

[@micahpatchen1538]

story 2: YOU GO OP!!!!

[@acatnamedm4529]

Sheesh, I love me some Phineas and Ferb and I'm much older than OP. But than I can also do laundry so I guess I'm ok.

[@simoneperkins4419]

Story 2 nah dump that dude off in a box in front of a target. I'm 17 and I love cartoons and anime but I also love adult shows like robot chicken and superjail hell I been watching Sofia the first lately because of nostalgia. Also Phineas and Ferb is such a god tier show highly recommend if you haven't seen it Mark.

[@toothless3835]

I'm 32 and almost exclusively watch animated movies and shows. I like them. Gravity falls. Adventure time. How to train your dragon. [clearly]. If anyone has ever worked in animation, even just doing a flip book. they'll know the amount of work that gets put into them is intense. You don't grow out of kids cartoons. And when you're the oldest of 4 with 11 years apart from your youngest sibling, you just accept that cartoons are your life. The youngest in our family is 7. [my nephew] so I'll still be watching cartoons until I die. For me. For the small ones. To be amazed by the animation. That Ex boyfriend deserves what he got.

[@trainerlesseevee478]

I needed that last wholesome story today... It's been a rough go of it, but I'm hanging in there ☺️🧇🖤

[@YellaBellaReno]

“Slip inside a volcano.” Second OP is perfect. Never change.

[@winniem1989]

I'm in my 50's and I STILL watch cartoons! the Smurfs, Scooby Doo, and all the other classic cartoons from the 70s and 80s,... Saturday Morning Cartoon was-is one of my favorite memories with my siblings

[@Icalasari]

Story 3 - Kindness begets kindness. A small act of kindness can touch many

[@drea4195]

What bothers me from Story 1 is that OP never mentioned that his wife ever apologized to him for either her horrible tantrum, her lie to her family that OP told her she couldn't go on the trip, or her insult to him. Nor did her mother apologize to OP for her text, nor did any of the family apologize for their repeated inconsideration of OP. I don't have the feeling that this "happy solution" compromise style is going to become the norm in their relationship going forward.

[@ginger_snapped_]

I'm 22 and How to Train your Dragon is still my favorite movie of all time. Edit: not surprised he didn't think of this, but does homeboy not know adult cartoons exist? Big Mouth or Bojack Horseman anyone?

[@dustyrose192]

I was thinking of op showing him of those really gorey animes and asking him if he thinks kids should watch that

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

Those are actually the worst cartoons lol I don't know why but cartoons made for adults usually suck, except for Archer. Cartoons made for kids are usually hilarious.

[@Pastel_Dreams]

Morons like her ex think that Animation as a whole is "just for kids." Those of us that are older but still indulge in our "childish" habit know that it's not. Animation is a storytelling medium.

I was at the store the other day (years ago), picking hair products and this old lady sheepshly asked me for help picking something for her grandaughter. It made my day being able to help someone, and I still think about that sometimes. Hope they are both well

[@susanlosey9511]

Hay! I’m 84 and love cartoons. Love that comment about letting him slip, slip right into a volcano!

[@holeymcsockpuppet]

Story 1: "I'm a pushover.", "Happy wife, happy life." , "I always give in." "I'm not getting a divorce.", "we are trying to have a child"...Basically, "I have no self-respect and my wife is leaving because I had to set a boundary. I think I will stay with a mildly sociopathic wife and destroy any remaining sense of self-worth" She's manipulative and self-centered. Counseling NEVER helps when a partner has character deficits like this. Just divorce. This will be the first of HUNDREDS of these tantrums and MIL abuse events in the next 5 years. Divorce before you have kids.

[@restionSerpentine]

I am turning 25 for the 16th time next month. I was not a kid when Phineas and Ferb came out. I do not have that excuse. I love Phineas and Ferb, the writting is amazing, the songs are fun, and they got Bowling for Soup to do the theme song, and watching all of doofensmitz back grounds.. is super depressing.. Mikassa from Attack on Titan, Yor from Spy X Family.

[@teamthoth]

I'm almost 40 and the cartoon fairly odd parents still cracks me up.

[@kixxenwalla167]

If I was in that situation I'd have asked several, *pointed*, questions. Why don't I get to celebrate my birthday? Why can't I visit my family? Why don't I get to have a mom or dad? Why don't I get to be happy? The first time OP put his foot down, his wife became abusive. Screaming and crying and throwing things. After isolating him from his family for so long, she ripped away the only support he had to lie and throw him under the bus. All while making an ultimatum. They both need therapy, individual and as a couple. But he deserves so much better.

[@blix_xo]

Laughed and found it awkward for someone watching cartoons. Adorable. I'm going to be 39 this year, and I just started caving into this Bluey show since I found it on my YT feed. Guess I better erase that and toss out anything nostalgic cause it's stuff from my childhood. I wouldn't be around anyone with that mindset. Watch what you want. If you don't want someone tearing your favorite, harmless things, then don't do it at all. We have our comforts. Enjoy the little things. And I don't believe there isn't an adult who watches cartoons. Or if they don't, it's a small %.

[@peachesnsht]

Animated Mark narrating the last story was my favorite part :3

[@MsAntiflo]

Hi Mark, love the videos, make them a part of my day, every day.

[@aquarianowl9318]

I did not expect OP to straight up commit murder in story 2

[@ScarabD]

Story 2 reminds me: me and my dad used to watch Arthur when I came home from college back in the ol' days. It wasn't something we started deliberately it just sort of happened and we kept watching. I remember us both wincing when Francine was going to sing because we all thought she was gonna be terrible (she wasn't, she just couldn't sing AND play the drums at the same time) I remember being sad with him when the grandad got older and couldn't have as much fun with the kids. I remember Arthur going missing and Dad telling me all about the exact same thing happening when I was a kid (cartoon got it right, it IS the scariest moment of a parent's life). My dad has always watched cartoons with me. They're fun, they're cute. We don't usually watch particularly young-focussed stuff usually because... well "baby" shows are usually boring as sin. (Contrary to popular belief, cartoons often have waaaay more investing storylines than you'd expect) but we DID watch the first episode of the Clangers remake because he showed me it as a child. Good ol' soup dragon XD And then later we go and watch crime dramas. These are some of my best memories with my dad. OP in story 2's ex can kick rocks.

[@joshuanobil6896]

story 1 left me raging! the final update the wife "had to" make a dig at the op and the MIL couldn't even apologize

[@dwoktheraynejonsohn4849]

Story 2: Phineas and Ferb is a fantastic show that many adults like. Highly recommend

[@prin0428]

Story 2: OP should have shown him the door after his first rude ass comment! However, I am glad OP met his friends! Hopefully a love connection was made!!!! ♡♡ btw.... I am 50 yro and I LOVE animated movies! So happy you got out before it got serious. Enjoy your date!

[@forestgrump4723]

Man, cartoons can be a real comfort for me. I won't admit to my family yet that I recently started watching this little cartoon "Bluey" which is designed for young kids. But one of the characters (Bingo) is the best example of a character with social anxiety that I've ever seen. She's not jittery or jumpy, but she has a really hard time speaking up. And it's not because she's abused, or neglected, she has two very involved very attentive parents. It just.... exists. The only contributing factor I can spot is she has a sister who is very extroverted and talks over her a lot. It's not malicious, it just... happens. You just don't see social anxiety presented in such a relatable way in adult entertainment. If you DO see it it's usually in a character that just has it so over blown that they can't deal with anything and they need therapy. Subtle disorders.... I never see represented in "adult" entertainment.

[@EmpressGemini]

Hearing Mark laughing 😂😂😂😂OMG LOL. Highlight of my day😂❤😂. Thank You Mark.

[@RokoFireFox]

I remember this one time. I had just got home when a couple pulled up in a jeep. I was confused when the husband jumped out and started walking towards me. He held out my wallet and asked if was mine. He and his wife had found it and wanted to return it to me. I was so shocked and happy. I didn't even know I had lost my wallet at the time. I think about the often and hope they are doing good.

[@OmniscientlyMe]

2. Dang, girl shows up to the con in the most recognizable Yor Forger outfit and her date will be the envy of the con.

[@brittany9747]

My 8 yo son now watches Phineas and Ferb. I am thoroughly enjoying his joy watching it 😆. I'm 31 and still watch cartoons.

[@luvondarox]

S2 Ha! Tantrum Toddler deserved that smackdown.

[@Swnsasy]

Yes! Phineas and Ferb! I'm 46 this month and I use to watch it! Love it. Omgosh I love her! Let him slip and side into a volcano! She's my spirit human ❤️🤗❤️

[@hodgeelmwood8677]

Story 1: See, THAT's a compromise. Compromise does not mean one side gives in. It means you negotiate something that works for both sides.

[@TheMimiSard]

Story 2 - I am rather judgmental (for me) about someone judging someone for liking cartoons, especially a sentimental one. There is a very famous C.S. Lewis quote: “Critics who treat 'adult' as a term of approval, instead of as a merely descriptive term, cannot be adult themselves. To be concerned about being grown up, to admire the grown up because it is grown up, to blush at the suspicion of being childish; these things are the marks of childhood and adolescence. And in childhood and adolescence they are, in moderation, healthy symptoms. Young things ought to want to grow. But to carry on into middle life or even into early manhood this concern about being adult is a mark of really arrested development. When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.”

[@BlueSkyBS]

"A little nonsense, now and then, is relished by the wisest men". Roald Dahl, paraphrasing an old quote.

[@asmith8692]

I'm in my 50's. Last week I was playing Clue, spirograph, and a game similar to Candy Land with kidlets. I also enjoyed reading Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the umpteenth time.

[@haroldvazquez]

Oh so boyfriend got a tatse of his own medicine! Good!

[@albertgongora6944]

Also wanted to mention this on the second story but I thought it would be better to see it as an entirely separate comment me and my wife and my friends we still loved watching good old cartoons from the 90s and whatever is good today and also keeping up with the latest anime series and and also ones that we've been reading since we were younger ourselves to finally see when they're going to end LOL

[@catharsismemory]

Ex boyfriend can dish it out but can't take it himself. How you going to call someone a child for watching cartoon but still have mom doing your laundry?