The Root: Her Pounds Have Got Me Down

"Over the last two years, my girlfriend has put on a significant amount of weight. I haven't asked, but at least 30 pounds. I love her and don't have any significant complaints about the relationship, but I'm no longer attracted to her and I'm sure she's noticed. She asked what's wrong and I told her I was stressed over work. She's also caught me looking at porn, which has become another problem. She's always been sensitive about her weight, and I don't know how to bring it up or tell her I'm not attracted to her without hurting or upsetting her. What do I do?" --F.D.

I think this is the point where I am supposed to tell you that you're shallow and what really matters is on the inside and you don't know how to appreciate a good woman. Oh, and you're a misogynist. But I'm not going to say any of those things, because I can't say them with a straight face. I've heard plenty of optimistic people talk about how looks shouldn't matter, and I think to myself, "Oh, you've never dated anyone you became un-attracted to." I have. It's a serious problem, and you have my empathy.

There's no easy way around this one; if you want to remain in this relationship, you are going to have to diplomatically tell her what's on your mind -- and soon. I appreciate that you don't want to hurt her feelings, but you're acting out in other ways. Right now your reaction to her weight is making her think that you are cheating.

Think about it: You're not attracted to her anymore, which means you're not touchy-feely, if at all (assuming you were), and you're likely not having sex with any frequency, if at all, either. She's noticed that your demeanor has changed toward her -- hence the question, "What's wrong?" And every woman with even rudimentary dating or relationship experience knows that "stress at work" is practically code for "I'm cheating." Add to that, you got caught watching porn, which from the sound of it is a new or more frequent activity for you (at least in the context of this relationship).

All of this could easily translate in a woman's mind as "evidence" of your infidelity. She's just waiting to catch you in the act at this point. And she might just leave you before you leave her. As my significant other likes to say, "Confusion creates chaos."

This would have been easier if you had said something to her earlier so you wouldn't have to essentially say, "I know you assumed X, but it's Y" (and she may have had less to lose), but we're beyond that. At this point, you have to explain: "Baby, I know you've noticed that I've been acting different lately. I've had a lot on my mind. I've noticed that we have gained some weight since we began dating."

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