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AIBU?

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Was I greedy to expect more?

73 replies

ChangePrivacyQuestion · 18/03/2026 10:00

Please excuse me, got a slight cold, so might actually be totally unreasonable here.

Had a big birthday yesterday.

My husband got all flabbergasted when I expected anything, seeing that we went for a Sunday lunch on Mother's day, and I got a present and a card "from DD(2)". When I reminded him I could just celebrate father's day in lieu of his birthday, he went out and got me a small Tesco cake and a B&Q voucher. Just opened my email and there's an afternoon tea voucher from MIL, bought this morning.

My own parents forgot to call until today. One sister called yesterday, 2 texted, brother ignored me (but nothing new there).

3 friends texted, 1 is excused (dealing with cancer), the others... nothing.

I work in an office where never a week goes by without a kitty and a card signature. Big birthdays usually get you a balloon, too. There's a spreadsheet with everyone's birthday and I got asked what I'm doing for mine. Yesterday - not so much as a dm.

Am I right in thinking sod it - next year I'm taking DD and going to Rome and to xyz with the rest of them?

I admit I'm disappointed.

OP posts:
FlyMeToTheSpoon · 18/03/2026 11:41

B and Q voucher! He might as well have bought you a new yard brush. Ridiculous.

Make sure you match this energy on fathers day and his birthday.

KolaBear · 18/03/2026 11:40

I’d also be pissed off with my colleagues.
What went on there / with the spreadsheet?
Why was your birthday missed?

harriethoyle · 18/03/2026 11:40

Book Rome for next week. Your “D” H is a shit. Give him exactly the same present on his birthday.

KolaBear · 18/03/2026 11:39

Happy birthday @ChangePrivacyQuestion 🎉🎉🎉
I’m sorry - a fucking B&Q voucher?
I’d buy a BBQ to burn his clothes
then piss off to Rome this weekend with your daughter.

Tel12 · 18/03/2026 11:38

Don't wait until next year, go away for Easter. At least do a spa day with all the extras. Happy birthday 🎂

Handbagneeded · 18/03/2026 11:38

A B&Q voucher?!!
Fricking hell 😱🤣

Tamtim · 18/03/2026 11:34

Fuck ‘em all. Happy Birthday! 🎈Take yourself out on the weekend and treat yourself to something nice.

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 18/03/2026 11:32

I’d be pretty fucking pissed off with a B&Q voucher for my birthday!

WinterSunglasses · 18/03/2026 11:22

Agree on the husband and family. Match their energy on future birthdays.

At work I would say, before it gets too much later 'can I check what date you have for me on the birthday spreadsheet because I think I've been missed?' It's fair if others get things. Someone might just have had a bad week and it's more excusable - but still fair to raise it.

Easterbunnyishotandcross · 18/03/2026 11:22

B&Q voucher? Smashing. That's the spade and concrete for the patio sorted.
Alibi always available here op.. Make sure it's one grudge you hold onto until dh's birthday..

Allthegoodhorses · 18/03/2026 11:16

This may sound dramatic but I just don't think I could be married to someone who treated me like that. I would rather be single.

Irememberwhenitwasallfieldsroundhere · 18/03/2026 11:03

I'd be really upset too, YANBU. Book Rome.

DaisyChain505 · 18/03/2026 10:58

A B&Q voucher? 😳

ChangePrivacyQuestion · 18/03/2026 10:52

Thank you. I didn't know if I was expecting too much/needed to give myself a wobble. At least I can fume in peace now and start looking at TripAdvisor.

OP posts:
FlapperFlamingo · 18/03/2026 10:46

Happy Birthday OP! Enjoy Rome next year - because your DH has not done anything like enough and I'd be taking myself off for some fun.

Mostunexpected · 18/03/2026 10:45

I wouldn't be contributing to any more kittys at work.

And Happy Birthday for yesterday

LadyOfLymeHouse · 18/03/2026 10:33

I agree with pps, buy yourself a massively expensive present.

And happy birthday!

Hotpants123 · 18/03/2026 10:31

Fuck waiting for next year, do it now, take off for the weekend, buy yourself a present and don't make any effort for his.

WhatAboutSecondBreakfast86 · 18/03/2026 10:25

That's really shit of all of them.
I had a big birthday last week, we are skint right now financially and i am also pregnant so no big parties etc but my DH still made the effort to get the kids a present each from them, paid for me to get my hair done, cards, cake and a lovely meal with friends organised. There is no excuse. Go all out next year and stuff them all!

Catcatcatcatcat · 18/03/2026 10:18

Fuck him, plan a belated trip for this year.

Whyarepeople · 18/03/2026 10:17

Does your DH even like you?

Ultravox · 18/03/2026 10:16

Such poor effort from everyone!!! I’d be upset too. I’d be doing a similar effort for your DH’s birthday in further and wouldn’t be contributing to any other work celebrations.

Plan a trip for next year for sure.

Shoxfordian · 18/03/2026 10:03

Is your husband always so completely thoughtless?

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