AITA for breaking up with my boyfriend for randomly popping my knuckles?

A Redditor shared how their boyfriend’s obsession with popping their knuckles escalated from insistence to a painful violation of boundaries. Despite knowing that his preferred method caused extreme pain,

he ignored their clear refusal and even acted on a hypothetical scenario by popping their knuckles randomly, causing excruciating pain. The Redditor immediately ended the relationship. Read the full story below to see if they were justified in their decision.

‘ AITA for breaking up with my boyfriend for randomly popping my knuckles? ‘

My boyfriend is obsessed with trying to pop my knuckles in the traditional way of popping knuckles, however I do not pop my knuckles the “normal” way. I pop them backwards essentially pushing my fingers backward until they pop. This has never really caused pain or discomfort for me,

and does the job the same so I’ve never thought much of it, but my boyfriend INSISTS that I let him pop my knuckles the “normal” way. I have let him pop my knuckles the way he wants a few times, and EVERY time it is extremely painful for me, like screaming pain, and yet he still wants to do it insisting I’ll get used to it.

Well the other day he thought up a hypothetical: “What would you do if I popped all your knuckles randomly?” to which I said I would break up with him, because it causes me extreme pain and he is aware that it causes me extreme pain. He claimed I was overreacting and proceeded to try and talk me into it, acting pissy when I put my foot down about it and said I would break up with him.

He continued to claim that it wasn’t that bad and I would get used to it. Well a few days pass by and he randomly grabs my hand one day and pops all of my knuckles at ONCE. The pain is excruciating and I start crying and immediately broke up with him on the spot. He has not stopped calling, AITA?

Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

lecorbeauamelasse −  NTA, he’s a sick c**ep who was deliberately causing you pain. Block and move on.

Professional-Use7080 −  He’s been causing you physical pain. You’ve told him to not do it. He still does it. He feels entitled to hurt you. Why stop at fingers? Cigarete burns, a broken bone here or there, a stylish cohabitant’s monocle to match.. Like… WTF. Obviously NTA OP.

Helln_Damnation −  NTA. You told him what would happen, and surprise! You followed through, and Good for you. He’s hurting you deliberately. Even just making you uncomfortable when you have asked him to stop is abuse.

maroongrad −  NTA and let your parents know what he did. Are your knuckles or hand still sore? If so, go get them checked by a doctor ASAP. He could easily have torn and damaged ligaments and cartilage. What he did is also called A**AULT.

Breaking up with him is a minimal response. Tell your parents, and see a doctor to find out what damage he’s done (he HAS damaged your hands if it hurt like that!!!!!) and what treatments and therapy you’re going to need.

Amazing-Wave4704 −  This is so abusive. You specifically said do NOT touch me in this way and he did it against your will. D**P him and keep him dumped!!

dolferina −  NTA. guess it’s no longer hypothetical. you followed through. he disregards your discomfort and how much pain it causes you. that alone is a bouquet of red flags.

Zscalerrguy −  Nope, not the AH. Technically he assaulted you. Find someone better. Best of Luck.

OGIVE −  NTA. You deserve someone that treats you with respect.

adorableexplosion −  NTA What a colossal AH! Don’t pick up those calls.

oogleboogleoog −  This is the *weirdest* hill for him to die on, but NTA OP. He blatantly disregarded your feelings, your “no’, and your pain to do whatever he wanted to you anyway. He earned that breakup good and proper.

Do you think breaking up was the right decision given the violation of trust and boundaries, or was it an overreaction to the situation? How important are physical autonomy and respect in a relationship? Share your thoughts below!