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AIBU?

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DP just invited four people to dinner tonight and assumed I'd cook

465 replies

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 16:39

AIBU? DP has a flaky but well-meaning (ADHD) friend who on Tuesday invited DP over to supper at Flaky Friend's house tonight. So today I thought that as I'd be here alone this evening I'd just have leftovers and instead of doing the big shop I normally do on a Thursday, I'd shop tomorrow.

FF invited DP over because FF's rather nice posh French girlfriend was due to be away and they planned to watch some rubbish bloke film they both enjoy. Half an hour ago FF contacts DP and says that FF's girlfriend hasn't gone away as planned so their TV date is off — but tell you what, FF and lovely girlfriend will both come to dinner here instead because FF doesn't want to disappoint DP who was expecting an evening with FF. (FF has a different way of seeing things than most people) DP agrees to this in in my hearing, with me yelling SAY NO at him from the hall. He ends the call and then asks what I've got for dinner tonight...

Now FF's partner is a fantastic cook. She cooked for us a couple of weeks ago and it was special. I'm not a bad cook but I want some notice (and some decent fresh ingredients) before cooking for her. So I say no, no way, cancel, cancel, cancel, terrible mistake — and a few choice suggestions for what DP can go and do to himself. He's shouted back about me being a fun sponge and inflexible and how I'm never happy having people round on an impromptu basis and he'll invite whoever he wants to visit in his own home...

We've only had shouting matches like this three or four times in our 14-year relationship, so this is major and I feel very shaken. I take a cup of tea out to the garden to get away from him for ten minutes. Meanwhile OP is in full huff mode and announces when I come back in that he's organised two other people, one of whom can't eat anything with tomatoes in it and one who's a vegan, to join him, FF and FF's partner for this impromptu dinner. I'm invited, too, if I want to be involved.

I've said I'm not cooking, so DP (who probably cooks three times a month, usually sausages or a burger) has found an online recipe for which we have the ingredients and is now preparing butter bean stew with chilli and peanut butter on rice. Stodge of the highest, brownest, vegan order. I feel really embarrassed in case FF's lovely girlfriend thinks this is something I've planned. I'm always the one who cooks for guests since the day early in our relationship when DP served guests slices of toast with ketchup and cheese on top and insisted it was pizza.

DP says I'm being VU. Am I or do other understand where I'm coming from? Off now to freshen up the cloakroom and bathroom. DP says no need, no one will care — but I do and I imagine FF's lovely French girlfriend will...

OP posts:
Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:42

Imanontoday · 29/08/2024 17:33

Yes you mention her in nearly every single post. It’s very odd.

It was supposed to be mildly funny. I'm sorry that you didn't find it so.

OP posts:
JamSlags · 29/08/2024 17:42

Delphiniumandlupins · 29/08/2024 17:39

If only the OP had a bone she might have been able to assemble a fragrant broth with vegetable peels and something unknown from the bottom of the freezer.

I hear toenail clippings go well with vegetable peelings. Not sure they count as vegan, mind…

nutroastie · 29/08/2024 17:42

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:34

Food one bill (£35 x 6 plus two starters, came to something like £203. Drinks paid on a separate tab. Gosh, you lot are into the fine detail, aren't you...

All i was saying is under £200 for all in for 6 people is…. worryingly cheap

then you said you’d forgotten to add coffees sms all drinks.

and another poster pointed out… odd way to bill,

gamerchick · 29/08/2024 17:41

OP let him learn the lessons. If he even hints at you stepping in to help then go for a long walk. If you're in the house he'll expect to be saved

Delphiniumandlupins · 29/08/2024 17:41

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:32

I was expecting a quiet evening on my own. I was actually planning to have a good old go at my feet and toenails. Instead of which, without consultation, I've got four people coming for dinner and all the palaver that involves. Our last guests left on Monday and I'm still in recovery mode. But if you don't see the problem that's fine. I'm taking it you don't share a home and decisions with someone else on a regular basis?

Are you too far from anywhere that would offer a late evening pedicure? (Is that even a thing?)

GladSatsumaShark · 29/08/2024 17:41

Countingcactus · 29/08/2024 17:37

Strange assumptions about me! You’re wrong, but I’d rather enjoy dinner with friends than “have a good old go at my feet and toenails”. Each to their own though 👍🏻

Is it really that hard to imagine someone planning on having a night all by herself, being a bit pissed off about suddenly last minute having four guests to cater to with no food at home?

Not all people are like you, but this might also be difficult for you to understand.

Heronwatcher · 29/08/2024 17:41

Ilovemyshed · 29/08/2024 16:55

OK, a few observations here:

Yes it was a shit thing to do to you and you need to have a conversation about how you both handled that.

Nevertheless, one of those moments where you pull together as a couple and one of you zooms round the house tidying and plumping, finding wine etc and the other throws some food together.

They are usually the best nights anyway.

Going forward I'd have a special store of really last minute easy to throw together cupboard recipes like crab linguine, garlic bread etc where you just need to run to the local coop for a few herbs, or grab a bought curry from Cook and make a biryani or something.
Or just buy something from Cook or other cook from frozen lifesaver.

Ye gods this have you been reading the Stepford Wives handbook again? “The sign of a good housewife is being able to conjure up warmed nuts, a crab linguine and a Sarah Lee gateaux for 6 on a moment’s notice. You should be able to anticipate your husband’s whims in all circumstances and attend to them with a smile.” Why should she be preparing for the next time her husband decides to spring 4 guests on her with no notice when she just wanted a night in and a sandwich?

angeldelite · 29/08/2024 17:40

Imanontoday · 29/08/2024 17:33

Yes you mention her in nearly every single post. It’s very odd.

It’s not odd. I have a family coming over for dinner next week, the wife is a great cook. I’m more conscious of cooking her a great meal then I would be for my sister, who is just glad to be invited and will eat anything.

I also don’t mind cooking for this family as DH has asked me to. DH often cooks for my family so I’m happy to return the favour.

OP, in your shoes, I would go out if you think you won’t enjoy this meal.

JamSlags · 29/08/2024 17:40

LookItsMeAgain · 29/08/2024 17:32

Do you remember when we'd all change our MM handles to what you've typed in your post @GoTigers? Ah the good old days 😂

Some of us still do that sort of thing 😎😎

BirthdayRainbow · 29/08/2024 17:40

1apenny2apenny · 29/08/2024 17:03

He's waiting/expecting you to step in, he thinks you won't be able to cope with him doing it.
I would leave the house now and not come back until they are due to arrive. I would then make lots of comments about how great it is for DH to cook and host!

Don't make those comments. No one would be telling him to say it about you.

You can come to mine if you need somewhere to hang out.

Delphiniumandlupins · 29/08/2024 17:39

GladSatsumaShark · 29/08/2024 17:36

They are like a dog with a bone.. 😂

If only the OP had a bone she might have been able to assemble a fragrant broth with vegetable peels and something unknown from the bottom of the freezer.

Countingcactus · 29/08/2024 17:37

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:32

I was expecting a quiet evening on my own. I was actually planning to have a good old go at my feet and toenails. Instead of which, without consultation, I've got four people coming for dinner and all the palaver that involves. Our last guests left on Monday and I'm still in recovery mode. But if you don't see the problem that's fine. I'm taking it you don't share a home and decisions with someone else on a regular basis?

Strange assumptions about me! You’re wrong, but I’d rather enjoy dinner with friends than “have a good old go at my feet and toenails”. Each to their own though 👍🏻

GladSatsumaShark · 29/08/2024 17:36

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:34

Food one bill (£35 x 6 plus two starters, came to something like £203. Drinks paid on a separate tab. Gosh, you lot are into the fine detail, aren't you...

They are like a dog with a bone.. 😂

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:34

nutroastie · 29/08/2024 17:33

good point

two separate bills?!

Food one bill (£35 x 6 plus two starters, came to something like £203. Drinks paid on a separate tab. Gosh, you lot are into the fine detail, aren't you...

OP posts:
StarCourt · 29/08/2024 17:34

i bet annoyingly tonight will go really well

Imanontoday · 29/08/2024 17:33

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:32

You haven't met her – and you haven't met him and thought 'Really?'

Yes you mention her in nearly every single post. It’s very odd.

Boomer55 · 29/08/2024 17:33

CheshireCat1 · 29/08/2024 17:30

Just go with the flow, enjoy the evening, does it really matter what guests think of the food and I’m sure your loos are already clean. Loosen up, have a laugh and enjoy the company.

This. Or get a takeaway. No need for a drama.🙄

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:33

I'm off to have a shower. I may or may not be back.

OP posts:
nutroastie · 29/08/2024 17:33

Spomb · 29/08/2024 17:28

Unusual they would bill you later for drinks!!

good point

two separate bills?!

LookItsMeAgain · 29/08/2024 17:32

GoTigers · 29/08/2024 17:16

Ah. This thread is like MM of old!

Flakey Friends
Hands Down Loos
Last Minute Guests
Stupid Husbands
’CANCEL, CANCEL, CANCEL!’
Miserable Stew
Goddess Girlfriends

and… Horse Cocks.

Marvellous stuff!

Do you remember when we'd all change our MM handles to what you've typed in your post @GoTigers? Ah the good old days 😂

Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:32

Imanontoday · 29/08/2024 17:31

I mean you’re not wrong, but blimey are you impressed by the girlfriend. To a level I’d deem unhealthy and a little creepy.

You haven't met her – and you haven't met him and thought 'Really?'

OP posts:
Anthologist · 29/08/2024 17:32

Countingcactus · 29/08/2024 17:28

I can’t really see the problem so long as he’s cooking. Just enjoy your evening? Or do you dislike them all?

I was expecting a quiet evening on my own. I was actually planning to have a good old go at my feet and toenails. Instead of which, without consultation, I've got four people coming for dinner and all the palaver that involves. Our last guests left on Monday and I'm still in recovery mode. But if you don't see the problem that's fine. I'm taking it you don't share a home and decisions with someone else on a regular basis?

OP posts:
Imanontoday · 29/08/2024 17:31

I mean you’re not wrong, but blimey are you impressed by the girlfriend. To a level I’d deem unhealthy and a little creepy.

dapsnotplimsolls · 29/08/2024 17:31

THisbackwithavengeance · 29/08/2024 17:30

You're being unreasonable. Typically MN inhospitable and inflexible.

Why on earth did you not get a takeaway in? Job done. No cooking, everyone happy.

Typical MN poster who can't be arsed to read all the OP's posts.

invisiblecat · 29/08/2024 17:31

Ilovemyshed · 29/08/2024 16:55

OK, a few observations here:

Yes it was a shit thing to do to you and you need to have a conversation about how you both handled that.

Nevertheless, one of those moments where you pull together as a couple and one of you zooms round the house tidying and plumping, finding wine etc and the other throws some food together.

They are usually the best nights anyway.

Going forward I'd have a special store of really last minute easy to throw together cupboard recipes like crab linguine, garlic bread etc where you just need to run to the local coop for a few herbs, or grab a bought curry from Cook and make a biryani or something.
Or just buy something from Cook or other cook from frozen lifesaver.

Going forward?

Are you suggesting that it is the OP's responsibility to stock up a cupboard and freezer full of handy ingredients and meals in advance, ready for the next time her DP invites unexpected guests round with next to no notice?