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Pro
You move on
If the situation was the opposite, he or any other man would not hesitate to body shame you for being overweight. It’s time to women to apply aesthetic pressure on man too.
Pro
Hilarious. Up to 80% of women filter for 6 feet and above on dating apps. Even morbidly obese women. Women are driving aesthetic pressure in modern dating. Not to mention the “6’s”. Must be 6 feet. Must have a 6 pack. Has to have at least 6 inches. Must make 6 figures.
If neither of you are with anyone else have an honest conversation with him. Both of the things you mentioned that you want changed only improve his health and quality of life. It's not like you're telling him to hang out with friends less or to do more around the house. You're telling him you're very sensitive to the cigarette smell and care about his health. Regarding his teeth, that's a big one. I'm super sensitive to teeth as well and there's no reason to sugar coat it, just let him know you find his lack of care unattractive and want him to be better. And that if he can address these two things (teeth easy, smoking hard) then you guys can give things another shot.
If you guys are in relationships, our of respect for those people, call it quits. You obviously have unfinished business with each other. Not fair to the people you are with.
Question: if he quit smoking and had healthier teeth (plus maybe some cosmetic work afterward like Invisalign?) do you think you might become physically attracted again?
As you note, this is super sensitive, it's obvious you care about him and you don't want to hurt his feelings. But there may be a way to bring this up, putting him first and maybe just focusing on one thing at a time. Here's an example:
"I'm so concerned about your health, there's just so much research that smoking hugely increases risks for all kinds of health issues. Have you considered quitting? I would do anything in my power to support you and help you through it."
If he says yes, and actually takes action, maybe then you bring up that unhealthy teeth (especially gums) are linked to heart issues (google this, it's true!)
So maybe if he quits smoking, sees and dentist and gets some cosmetic work done, you can see how you feel at that point?
But I do wonder to what extent you can "fix" him vs. understanding that his situation is what it is. Really it's all up to him!
Pro
Yeah I’m crazy about dental too. Everyone must look after their teeth. Goddamn I dont know what’s wrong with people who neglect their oral hygiene. You have been honest, you are willing to stick to your principles which shows you have integrity. If he won’t clean up his act then don’t bother. The moment has passed time to move on. Personally I think you should remain friends and look to meet someone else. Once a relationship or marriage is over that’s it. There is no going back.
Be straight up with him. “I like you but lost attraction to you. Hit the gym, fatass”. If he’s a real man he’ll hear you without crying
Physical attraction is important both ways so make sure you’re keeping in shape too. But no sympathy for those who don’t physically take care of themselves. None. Either gender.
Conversation Starter
Ask your new man to kindly tell him that you think he’s a good guy but she has moved on. Let new man protect you and keep you safe from him.
Um, was she in danger?
Tryyyy Mee!
Was that the reason for the divorce?
The smoking was part of it. I advised him of my smoking boundaries when we were engaged, and he quit (Smoking caused my own mom's death) t but ended up starting again after we were married. So it was a big factor. I take amazingly good care of myself and just can't understand the desire to hurt your own body like that. The dental work has happened since we have been divorced as a symptom from the habit.
If he went to the dentist and quit smoking, would things automatically change or would it take time? Being friends, let along best friends, is quite the dilemma with an ex spouse. Is it possible that you're hanging onto him because you feel pity, or something else? If it's unresolved feelings, let him know but stipulate what's unattractive. If it's pity, remorse is okay but don't get into a relationship because of guilt or the wrong thing.