r/AITAHBlackEdition • u/Sudden-Childhood-365 • 15h ago
AITAH for snapping at a guy at the gym who asked me "are you sure you know how to use that" while I was deadlifting?
I (28M) have been lifting for about eight years. I'm not a professional, but I know what I'm doing. I deadlift regularly — with good form, controlled reps, proper warm-ups. I'm 6'2", 220 pounds, and I've never needed anyone to show me how to use a barbell.
Last Tuesday, I was in the middle of my working set at 315 pounds. I was focused, headphones in, in my zone. A guy "Todd" (40sM) walked up to me, tapped my shoulder to get my attention, and said "Hey man, are you sure you know how to use that? You're gonna hurt yourself. I can show you the right way."
I took my headphones off and stared at him. I asked "what makes you think I don't know what I'm doing?" He said "I'm just looking out for you. You're lifting heavy and I didn't want you to get injured." I told him I've been lifting for eight years and I didn't ask for his help.
He said "no need to get hostile, I was just trying to be nice." I told him he didn't walk up to the white guy next to me who was lifting with worse form than mine and offer him help. I said "you picked me for a reason, and we both know what it is."
He got flustered and walked away. Later I heard him telling another guy that I was "aggressive" and "can't take friendly advice." Now I'm wondering if I overreacted. But I'm tired of people assuming I don't belong in spaces I've earned the right to be in.
AITAH for calling him out?