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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To worry about DH not following through?

33 replies

RockyFowlboa · 18/11/2024 15:54

The gym DH and I go has this thing called an "angel tree," which is a Christmas tree decorated with little angel ornaments, which have children's age ranges and genders on the back of them. Members are invited to take ornaments from the tree and purchase gifts aligning with the info on the back, and bring them to the reception desk to be distributed to families in need.

Yesterday, DH took two angels from the tree, and said he plans on taking another two from the tree at the other gym location to which we go. I thought that was very kind and generous of him, and I know we can afford it no problem... It's just that, on the way home, he was musing about what to purchase, and said "Might as well just every kid a tablet and be done with it." Which just felt like a really.... tasteless? thing to say because our own child is having behavioral issues that we both agree are probably related to her tablet usage.

I have this worry that he won't actually shop for appropriate toys, or purchase anything at all, and then I'll have to be the one who goes out and gets the gifts in addition to the ones I already have to get for our family members. I feel really stressed about it, but I'm not sure where that worry is coming from. I know I haven't even given him a chance yet, but the closer it will get to Christmas without him doing it, the less time I'll have to get it done if I have to step up...

AIBU?

OP posts:
RockyFowlboa · 18/11/2024 16:16

Bridgetomalley · 18/11/2024 16:15

I wondered if some of the stress you are feeling over this is to do with the issue you say you are having over your child's tablet usage?
Did your DH actually make the comment about buying all the children tablets to deliberately upset you because it almost comes over as that?

I don't think it was to upset me. I'm just not sure if he was joking or not.

I should probably just be an adult and ask him about it, huh?

OP posts:
Bridgetomalley · 18/11/2024 16:15

I wondered if some of the stress you are feeling over this is to do with the issue you say you are having over your child's tablet usage?
Did your DH actually make the comment about buying all the children tablets to deliberately upset you because it almost comes over as that?

ManhattanPopcorn · 18/11/2024 16:07

It's between him and the people at the gym.

Sia8899 · 18/11/2024 16:05

Yep, let him do it. I assume there is a system that the gifts aren't wrapped when you hand them over so the charity can check they are appropriate for the right kids/age ranges. If he ends up not buying anything then on his conscience be it, you didn't pick up the angels so it's not your responsibility

RockyFowlboa · 18/11/2024 16:05

Anonym00se · 18/11/2024 15:57

This is a him problem, leave him to it. You say you can afford it no problem, but then say you’re worrying about where the money is coming from. Chris as is stressful enough without worrying about what other people are doing. Just give him some advice about tailoring the gifts to the individuals and then let him crack on.

It's not a financial issue; if I did the shopping, I'd just use his credit card. It's just a matter of mental/emotional labor, and also of "how long do I give him before I just do it myself? will he be upset that I did it for him (too soon)?"

OP posts:
RockyFowlboa · 18/11/2024 16:03

EauNeu · 18/11/2024 16:01

Why are you swooping in to take over, leave it to him. If he messes up he messes up.

Then some children who were relying on the program won't receive presents, and I feel morally obligated to make sure that doesn't happen.

OP posts:
EauNeu · 18/11/2024 16:01

Why are you swooping in to take over, leave it to him. If he messes up he messes up.

Anonym00se · 18/11/2024 15:57

This is a him problem, leave him to it. You say you can afford it no problem, but then say you’re worrying about where the money is coming from. Chris as is stressful enough without worrying about what other people are doing. Just give him some advice about tailoring the gifts to the individuals and then let him crack on.