Good luck getting out of this one

Casadena

Dear Prudence,

Last night on Thanksgiving, my wife and I split the wishbone, and I won. When she asked me what I wished for, my answer was for her to lose 10 pounds. She’s been furious with me since. I wasn’t trying to be mean—she’s been complaining that she needs to lose weight and what I meant was for her to be able to do it; it was just poorly phrased. I’ve tried to explain myself, but she thinks I’m trying to get out of trouble. Any ideas for smoothing this over?

banana468

My goodness you don't need to ask for a shovel for Christmas  you're doing fine on your own.

Be profuse.  Tell your wife you love her and your phrasing was atrocious.  

But, there's something condescending here and you need to own it that your wish that your wife can achieve her goal can come across as if she can't do it without magic.  

MyNameIsNot

Stop trying to explain and apologize. JFC.

charlotte989875

I hope she leaves you.

On a day where many people have a lot of feelings around what they eat, their bodies, and food you had to say this? No matter how you thought it was going to come out even “wishing” this for her is awful. Apologize again and again and again. But maybe also this about why this was the best you could come up with. 

short+sassy

If that really is what he meant, why couldn't he have phrased it in a positive way.  Like, "I wish for your happiness and achieving all the things you want."

How can he be so ignorant as to let such obviously hurtful words come out of his mouth, no matter how he "meant them".

I bet the wife's wish would have been that he gain 10 more IQ points.

ei34

Profuse, profuse, genuine apologies, each day.  Bc what a gross thing to use a "wish" on.  She's allowed to talk about her weight and body, and you're allowed to talk about your weight and body.  

CharmedPam

So you chose for her to lose 10 pounds over you winning the lottery?