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Original poster

DH booked a trip for him for my birthday

381 replies

MrsDurrells · 28/06/2024 14:11

DH asked what I’d like for my birthday (last weekend), I clearly said no trips as I end up doing all the packing, planning, unpacking washing etc.
Hes booked us glamping, leaving after school today. All week I’ve reminded him I’m not packing, meal planning, shopping etc and guess what-he’s done a bit of a shop but no meal plans (eg we have bacon, broccoli and cookies?), there’s 3 kids to pack for still and the weather is set to be hot, cold, sunny, and rainy so all weathers really, and he’s not packed a thing yet!

Part of me says don’t help but another part of me knows it’s me and the kids that will suffer because frankly, we’ve experienced similar before! He is so unprepared about most things in life as he knows I always step in and sort it and he openly says he thinks I’m a perfectionist (I’m not I just like to be prepared and have saved his arse so many times!) It’s exhausting. It’s more a jolly for him than me isn’t it?

OP posts:
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Ilikeadrink14 · 08/02/2025 00:18

TheBlueQuail · 28/06/2024 18:25

Lol, I run a couple of businesses, and employ a few. But I'll delete my post now because I see it offends a few wet behind the ears that don't accept true life.

Show quote history

Typical man! Things aren’t going his way so he deletes his post! I expect when he was a baby, he used to spit his dummy out too!.

diddl · 02/07/2024 20:07

Was it at least a proper bed Op?

I'd love to try glamping!

Love camping as a kid but now I'm older I like my comforts!

Longdarkcloud · 01/07/2024 14:39

OP Guess what you’ll get for your next birthday!

WiddlinDiddlin · 01/07/2024 14:17

Goodtogossip · 01/07/2024 14:07

Pack yours & the kids PJs then when he hasn't packed properly you can have lots of TV or movie days inside while he orders take outs & runs around after you all.

Try checking the dates on posts, or even reading all the OP's posts via the 'see all' button, and save yourself the time.

a/ the OP is back from the glamping trip.
b/ it was an off grid location. No power = no tv/movie days.

Goodtogossip · 01/07/2024 14:07

Pack yours & the kids PJs then when he hasn't packed properly you can have lots of TV or movie days inside while he orders take outs & runs around after you all.

Original poster
MrsDurrells · 01/07/2024 12:48

@armyofants @Ketzele
It was my first try at glamping (haven’t been camping either since the kids came along) and I wasn’t overly sure what to expect but it was fabulous! We didn’t need bedding, just the kids’, and cutlery and basic cooking utensils were provided too. One loo roll, but lovely toiletries were there in the outdoor shower. There was no power as such but there were fairy lights from a solar panel.

I can send you the info if you’d like!

@Nanny0gg Do you know what I don’t know? I didn’t ask him but I may just! His reply would normally be ‘I didn’t hear’, ‘I didn’t understand’ but I was so explicit in this that I wonder what his reasoning was. I’ll ask him tonight.

@JFDIYOLO Funnily enough he gave me a beautiful dress from Boden (from the kids too) which I did flounce about in for about 3 mins, and it is so beautiful but not really appropriate for a campsite (or any aspect of my life but I can pretend!!).

OP posts:
MoltenLasagne · 01/07/2024 12:28

What a great outcome. And I'm so glad you actually enjoyed the not-quite-glamping, it would have been miserable to have just successfully set boundaries whilst hating every minute.

JFDIYOLO · 01/07/2024 09:11

Well done OP! I can't imagine how angry you must have felt when you saw what he'd done, after you'd expressly said that was the one thing you did not want done as your birthday treat.

I think the way you handled it was perfect - Show him exactly what you would have had to do to make the trip happen, had you allowed him to behave the way he would normally do (ie leave it all up to you.)

Sounds like you enjoyed it precisely because you had the experience he normally gets to have.

And no arguments, just sensible grown up conversation. I really hope he has learnt something and changes will stick.

Now what is he actually going to get you for your birthday?! 🎂

daisychain01 · 01/07/2024 04:56

ASimpleLampoon · 01/07/2024 04:11

Check into a hotel and wish him a good time with the kids.

I think you've missed the boat on this one Smile

ASimpleLampoon · 01/07/2024 04:11

Check into a hotel and wish him a good time with the kids.

mathanxiety · 01/07/2024 04:06

Excellent update.

Blondeshavemorefun · 01/07/2024 01:37

Enjoyed as you didn't have to do it all ?

Redshoeblueshoe · 30/06/2024 23:54

well done

LittleGreenDragons · 30/06/2024 23:46

I’m not foolish enough to think he’s a totally changed man but, he has heard me and he knows not to pull a stunt like this ever again.

I think that's the birthday present. Money can't buy that. I hope he continues to hear you. Happy Birthday OP Flowers

Nanny0gg · 30/06/2024 23:33

I'm really glad you enjoyed it

But...has he said why he arranged something you had specifically said you didn't want? Why he didn't listen to you?

Mummyoflittledragon · 30/06/2024 22:41

What a brilliant update. I’m glad you enjoyed the trip away and were given lots of appreciation. You played this so well and it’s fab to hear things paid off.

Ketzele · 30/06/2024 22:38

So glad you had a good time - now don't 'reward' him by letting things slip back!

Now spill the tea - was it really glamping?

HateMyselfToo · 30/06/2024 22:14

So pleased you had a nice time AND you both learnt something.

armyofants · 30/06/2024 22:08

Best update ever.

But was it really glamping though!?

Toastcrumbsinsofa · 30/06/2024 21:38

I’m glad the trip went well and that your DH has shown appreciation for everything that you do.

BookArt · 30/06/2024 21:15

Oh this is so lovely to hear! Well done for standing firm, and it's lovely to hear about a relationship on mumsnet that has have a communication win!

Hmwales · 30/06/2024 21:14

So pleased it turned out well and you did get to enjoy yourself. Be sure to remember to go on your own for a 'ME' break next year ~ DH can look after the kids and have quality time with them. Very happy for you

GreenFritillary · 30/06/2024 20:55

Sorry, wrong thread

SammyTales · 30/06/2024 20:43

Brilliant result! Very glad it worked out in the end

GreenFritillary · 30/06/2024 20:42

Well done, all of you.