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Ex’s new girlfriend spending - would you be concerned?

33 replies

Isitthathardtobekind · 03/01/2026 22:43

Ex has a new girlfriend - I think since August- maybe July. She met our young teens in November. Second meet she gave one £30 cash to take shopping - apparently she had paid for a couple of fair rides for my other when she first met her so wanted to give something to the other. I discussed with my ex and he said he didn’t know about the cash and agreed it wasn’t appropriate.

A week later it was my youngest’s bday. He brought round a gift from his girlfriend for her which was worth I think around £30. I thought it was fine but then she opened the card and £30 cash fell out. As she opened it, he said ‘oh (name) I told her not to’ and again said he didn’t know. I told him I was concerned about the amount of gifts given so early (this one being worth £60+) but more so that he said he didn’t know/had asked her not to. He isn’t always truthful though so it’s very likely he did know. I have no idea.

For Xmas they told me she bought them hair straighteners but then my youngest called me and showed me that she had bought them a karaoke machine to share (or her older son had who they’ve never met- I’m not sure exactly) and a box of makeup each, a pair of branded leggings each and GHD hair straighteners each.

I have nothing to compare to but it makes me uneasy that she has only met them a few times and seems to be showering them with expensive gifts. Am I overthinking it?

OP posts:
Delphiniumandlupins · 04/01/2026 00:36

It sounds a lot and I would want to make sure your DC are not dropping hints about what they want. However, she's presumably an adult and maybe used to spending generously on neices/nephews/friends' DC. Say thank you.

WinterWooliesBaa · 04/01/2026 00:00

I'd just think 'lucky kids'?!

as long as she's nice to them it's her money to spend.

Okiedokie123 · 03/01/2026 23:58

Yanbu. She’s met your kids far too soon and now she’s trying to buy their love. OTT behaviour

lilylooleelala · 03/01/2026 23:56

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 03/01/2026 23:22

Reminds me of Amanda’s boyfriend in Amanda land, worth a watch! But no harm

Exactly what came to my mind too 🤣

BriefEncountersOfTheThirdKind · 03/01/2026 23:49

She wants them to see she's not going to be a "wicked stepmother" type

vanillalattes · 03/01/2026 23:23

Leave her to it - it’s her money.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 03/01/2026 23:22

Reminds me of Amanda’s boyfriend in Amanda land, worth a watch! But no harm

Springtimehere · 03/01/2026 22:45

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