Can a Diet Break Up a Relationship?

Relationships end for a lot of reasons; differences of opinion, growing apart, boredom or good old-fashioned infidelity, but eating habits! Could one partner’s change in diet actually kill a romance?

It might. “When one person alters that routine, it can unwittingly throw off the balance of the relationship or make the other feel rejected,” Cynthia Sass, R.D., co-author of Your Diet Is Driving Me Crazy, told magazine.

In the article Sass offers these suggestions for women contemplating a new diet, but are worried about their boyfriend’s reaction:

1. Prepare him for changes: “That does not mean announcing you’re going to start a new eating program tomorrow,” says Sass. Share your plans at least a few hours in advance and try to communicate your reasons for making adjustments to the normal dining routine.
2. Address his concerns: You’ll help circumvent negative feelings that may arise once your diet starts. Because he may worry your goal is to get him to lose weight, clarify any expectations you have.
3. Identify potential stumbling blocks: Will you have to make your own dinners? Are DVD-and-pizza nights banned? Once you’ve raised the tough questions, you can come up with solutions together.

Now, I’m a health nut and I actually broke up with a girl because she started eating snack cakes and potato chips. Of course I just told her, “I’m not ready for a serious relationship.” I’m stupid, but not that stupid!