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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To Surprise OH At The Airport?

162 replies

ladybird30 · 21/09/2024 15:54

My OH is due back from being away for a week, for work.

It's the first time he's been away for more than a few days since we had our LO and I thought it'd be nice to surprise him at arrivals and pick him up.

I've mentioned this to a couple of people and some have said it'd be embarrassing and a bit cringe, as he's away for work with a few guys he works with and they're all travelling together.

Should I surprise him or just stay home?

OP posts:
Didimum · 22/09/2024 18:15

CheeseWisely · 21/09/2024 16:06

My Husband would be absolutely chuffed to bits to be met in those circumstances, because he cares more about us than what his colleagues think, and anyway his colleagues are grown Men with their own families, not teenage boys trying to be cool.

Assuming you're not planning on making a massive sign or taking balloons, and that he hasn't asked you not to, then I would go.

This.

Honestly, what is with these replies. Can’t imagine being with someone who found his partner and children ‘cringe’. That would be the definition of an arsehole in my book and my DH would be thrilled to see us.

Hoppinggreen · 22/09/2024 18:00

When I used to go to a lot of conferences with my employer we were encouraged to consider ourselves to be working from arrival at the airport until we left the airport again (and yes we were paid for the time) so while partners/husbands/wives did often come to collect they generally waited outside rather than do the big surprise at arrivals with kids thing.
It would not have been seen as appropriate, but other companies might not be the same.

Namechangedididittoo · 22/09/2024 17:55

I planned on doing this when my partner was coming home from a “work” trip he knew and convinced me in no uncertain terms I wasn’t to (our baby was four months old. I didn’t go but turned out it wasn’t a work trip at all and he’d gone away with a woman 🙄😫😳

Growlybear83 · 21/09/2024 20:49

i think most people would be incredibly embarrassed if they arrived back from a business trip with several colleagues to find their partner waiting for them at arrivals, especially with a baby in tow.

bows101 · 21/09/2024 20:36

That would be unnecessary overkill for my DH. He'd think I'd lost my mind as it would totally be out of character for me and wouldn't find it sweet at all.
Depends on the type of guy your DH is & your general character.

Choochoo21 · 21/09/2024 20:28

Aquamarine1029 · 21/09/2024 16:39

He's been away for work for just a week, not coming home from war after a year. Surprising him at the airport, when he's with colleagues, is a little much.

I agree with this!!

It seems a bit OTT for being away with his mates for a few days!

I would offer to pick him up from the airport but I definitely wouldn’t be there surprising him like you’ve not seen him for months/years.

5128gap · 21/09/2024 20:10

In the nicest possible way OP, you should know the answer to this far better than any stranger on here who's never met the man. He's your husband who you presumably know very well indeed, you should know if he'd like this or not. And the fact that you're doubting probably means deep down, no matter how much you'd like it, that he maybe wouldn't. I think this is a classic case of when in doubt, do nowt.

ThatTealViewer · 21/09/2024 20:04

I would LOVE this, personally. I was weaned on 90’s romcoms, so anything romantic in an airport would have me all aflutter. 🤣

Moonshine5 · 21/09/2024 20:00

Josette77 · 21/09/2024 19:01

Why are you picking on her? It's clear her intention wasn't meant to be cruel.

Are you victim blaming/ shaming? They made the bitchy comment (now apparently unintentionally), I call her up on it and you accuse me. The absolute cheek. #gaslighting

BIossomtoes · 21/09/2024 19:56

crowandpigeon · 21/09/2024 19:51

Would you honestly be really crossed though? Because that would be seriously worrying.

Try reading what I actually said.

crowandpigeon · 21/09/2024 19:51

BIossomtoes · 21/09/2024 19:35

Have you seen the price of airport parking? I’d be really cross at the waste of money.

Would you honestly be really crossed though? Because that would be seriously worrying.

BIossomtoes · 21/09/2024 19:35

Have you seen the price of airport parking? I’d be really cross at the waste of money.

Bunnyhair · 21/09/2024 19:30

I’d find this a bit needy and intense I’m afraid.

Sia8899 · 21/09/2024 19:28

Picking someone up at the airport is a nice and fairly normal thing to do. (I assume you’ll drive and he would be planning to get a bus/train/taxi?) Unless you’re going to sing a song, hold a sign or make a scene I don’t see why your partner would be embarrassed

CluelessAboutBiology · 21/09/2024 19:12

ladybird30 · 21/09/2024 16:18

Sounds like I should stick to a nice roast dinner ready for him at home 😂

I think he'd like it but I know his colleagues, 2/3 who are actually his best mates, would tease him, which is why I was a bit hesitant

I have a better idea. I go to your house and whilst you’re out collecting him, I eat the roast dinner 😀

CheeseWisely · 21/09/2024 19:11

Thanks @Josette77. I can only assume someone who loves that PP has had the absolute audacity to pick her/him up at the airport and the utter inappropriate cringe of it all (and in front of colleagues of all people) has pissed her/him right off

Although given that their only input into the thread was to have a go at me on someone else's behalf I guess we'll never know 😉🤷🏻‍♀️

inamarina · 21/09/2024 19:06

Josette77 · 21/09/2024 18:59

How is this needy? It's ok to miss your spouse.

I can't believe OP is being called cringey and egotistical. It's ok to say no, but these replies are wild.

Why are we assuming his coworkers are a bunch ofem who would mock him? We don't even know ops husbands job.

My partner is a crisis worker and I don't imagine his colleagues being immature enough to mock this.

I agree.

Terracata · 21/09/2024 19:04

I don't think it's cringey, but I wouldn't do this without consulting them. They might have made plans to share taxis, or travel costs, or to to home via a pub/cafe for breakfast etc. I would make a lovely meal/run a bath/make a cake etc for when they get home (depending on what their thing is) and then lots of cups of tea!

Josette77 · 21/09/2024 19:01

Moonshine5 · 21/09/2024 17:02

@CheeseWisely

Your response is tone deaf and mean.

@Doggymummar said no one ever comes to collect her yet you tag her in and respond to her personally by saying your husband is there every time and never misses it. Have a word with yourself.

Why are you picking on her? It's clear her intention wasn't meant to be cruel.

Josette77 · 21/09/2024 18:59

DragonGypsyDoris · 21/09/2024 18:50

Stay at home. Don't look needy.

How is this needy? It's ok to miss your spouse.

I can't believe OP is being called cringey and egotistical. It's ok to say no, but these replies are wild.

Why are we assuming his coworkers are a bunch ofem who would mock him? We don't even know ops husbands job.

My partner is a crisis worker and I don't imagine his colleagues being immature enough to mock this.

Jl2014 · 21/09/2024 18:54

If it was just you it would be cringe. If it was with your child I think you might be able to pull it off.

katepilar · 21/09/2024 18:52

I dont like surprises, so would ask whether he would appreciate to be picked up.

DragonGypsyDoris · 21/09/2024 18:50

Stay at home. Don't look needy.

FrancisSeaton · 21/09/2024 18:49

HerbalBovril · 21/09/2024 18:05

I don’t understand how this would be “cringey”…sounds like a loving and thoughtful thing to do. It’s lovely to be in love, and lovely to express it. If you have both capacity and inclination, go for it. I know my Beloved would be enchanted and delighted to see me and our little ferals upon landing. In fact, he’d no doubt tear up 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🙈 if his colleagues are uncomfortable, that’s their problem. X

Enchanted and delighted? After being away a week for work?

WimbyAce · 21/09/2024 18:48

How is he planning on getting home? Have they already booked a taxi etc?

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