Being in a relationship can be cozy, romantic, and full of good vibes, but it also comes with moments where you have to be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes, love means calling each other out when things cross a line.
For instance, one husband stood up to his wife after she harshly judged his goth friend in public, sparking an unexpected family fallout that left him wondering if he went too far. Keep reading to see how it all unfolded.
Grocery shopping can be stressful enough but it gets even worse when you run into judgmental people
Image credits: LightFieldStudios / Envato (not the actual photo)
A man recently shared his dilemma after calling his wife a bully for mocking a woman dressed in goth style
Image credits: Julia Kadel / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: drazenphoto / Envato (not the actual photo)
Image credits: throwawaywifebully
He explained that his wife had been bullied in the past, which made the situation even more complicated
Judging someone based on their appearance is not only harsh but also unfair
Image credits: La Fabbrica Dei Sogni / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
As humans, we often find ourselves judging others: sometimes without even realizing it. It could be for their choices, their actions, or simply how they look. While we may not mean harm, judgment comes easily in a world that constantly encourages comparison. Fashion and appearance are often at the center of these quick assumptions because they’re the first things we notice. But what happens when those judgments cross a line and turn into something deeper, something that hurts?
To understand why fashion can invite such strong reactions, we spoke with Kayal, a freelance fashion stylist and brand consultant. “People can be really harsh critics when it comes to appearance,” she says. “I think a lot of that comes from conditioning. We’re taught early on that certain looks are ‘acceptable,’ while others are not.” Kayal, who has styled numerous celebrities across India, explains that finding her own sense of style wasn’t always easy.
“It took me a while to find my personal style,” Kayal admits. “During my experimenting phase, people were incredibly judgmental, questioning everything. ‘Why color your hair?’ ‘Why wear something so bold?’ Everyone had an opinion.” But through it all, she learned that true style is an expression of self, something deeply personal that reflects who you are, not who others expect you to be.
“For me, fashion isn’t about fitting in,” she adds. “It’s about feeling confident in your skin. Your outfit is your mood, your energy, your voice, sometimes even your armor. When you wear what you love, it shows. And that’s what makes it powerful.” Her words are a reminder that what we wear often tells a story, one that deserves to be respected, not ridiculed.
Personal style is a unique way for each individual to express who they are
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Of course, certain styles tend to invite more attention than others. “There are always looks that draw comments, or should I say, criticism,” Kayal says with a knowing smile. “Bondage tops, neon dresses, low-rise jeans—people love to have opinions. Even corsets, which are trending again, can make someone say, ‘Oh, that’s too much.’ It’s funny how comfort zones vary so widely.”
She recalls a conversation between two models at a shoot. “One commented that another’s heels were ‘too high,’” she says. “And I thought, who decides what’s too much? If she’s comfortable and confident, why should it matter?” It’s these subtle judgments, Kayal believes, that quietly reinforce the idea that individuality must fit within someone else’s limits.
When it comes to alternative fashion, like the goth aesthetic, opinions can be even stronger. The monochrome palette, dark lipstick, and bold accessories often make people assume the worst. “But goth culture is about self-expression and artistry,” Kayal notes. “It’s about creating a mood, a story. There’s sophistication in that.” Yet, as seen in the author’s story, not everyone sees it that way.
Fashion has always been more than fabric and color; it’s a form of language. What we wear often communicates our confidence, creativity, and individuality. To judge someone based on that is to misunderstand the very essence of style. As Kayal puts it, “Style is deeply personal. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, that’s all that matters. It’s not fair to judge someone for what makes them feel authentic.”
In this particular case, perhaps the wife’s comments came from her own insecurities, something many of us can relate to. But whether we agree with someone’s fashion choices or not, empathy should always come first. After all, our differences are what make the world and fashion beautiful.
So, what are your thoughts on this? Have you ever faced judgment for how you dress, or found yourself judging someone else before knowing their story? And more importantly: what’s your take on the goth look?
Many readers sided with the man, saying he did the right thing by calling out his wife’s rude behavior
However, others felt he could have handled the situation more gently, given his wife’s painful history
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