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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel upset about this.

39 replies

maria2bela1 · 18/05/2026 14:17

Long story short last year I posted about how I was upset that husband didn’t plan anything or get me anything for my birthday, I don’t want much, but even getting the kids to make me a card would have been nice. People said when he asks I shouldn’t brush it off and say I don’t want anything etc. so I told him how I felt and he said next birthday will be special, anyway we’re now 2 days before and he asks me ‘do you want a cake?’ And where should we go to eat. Basically this means he hasn’t done any planning. It’s not the birthday itself that gets to me, it’s more that when it’s his birthday or kids or my immediate family, I plan the cake, food and get together on that persons behalf. Just feels shit that none of them have planned anything for me and he’s asking me 2 days before. I suppose I wanted to know if I’m being unreasonable here..

OP posts:
Boomer55 · 18/05/2026 16:23

Why all the drama about a birthday? He’s trying to make you happy. Just go with the flow. 🤷‍♀️

Hatty65 · 18/05/2026 16:21

TheCurious0range · 18/05/2026 14:25

He asked if you'd like a cake you say yes please, he asks about dinner you say book somewhere you think I'll line (then don't be moody if it's not where you would've picked) , he's not asking you to plan it he's clarifying what you want

This, absolutely.

He listened to you last year and took in on board. I would say, 'And actually, I'd like a bottle of Chanel Mademoiselle perfume please for my present. You can get it in Boots'. (Or whatever it is you actually want).

My DH is fab - but if I don't give him a specific request he will buy me lovely things he thinks I will like. He will spend generously. He will also buy shit I have no interest in, generally. God knows how he has known me for 30 years and thinks I might like a candle, a silk scarf or a foot spa. I don't.

I give clear instructions now and we are both happy.

Moonnstarz · 18/05/2026 16:20

To me this is not a problem. I know where I like to go for a meal and I am fine picking up my own cake. So for me personally I would say 'can you book the Italian we normally go to, if not happy with the restaurant we sometimes go to instead'. Cake wise I grab when doing the shopping.

If you genuinely would be happy with anything, then I would go down with the I am happy with you surprising me with where we go for food and also the same with the cake. Look forward to seeing what you choose.

DaisyChain505 · 18/05/2026 16:18

You told him how you felt, he knew his actions upset you and he’s chosen to repeat that behaviour again.

Its your choice to accept it or not.

MontyDonsBlueScarf · 18/05/2026 16:16

If as you say he's never planned for a birthday he probably feels that 2 days is going to be perfectly adequate. He will soon find out. I get that it's disappointing but he's hardly likely to go from zero to hero in one jump. YANBU for wanting more but YABU for expecting perfection first time around.

Forthesinsof · 18/05/2026 16:00

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ForLimeCat · 18/05/2026 15:28

People think differently about birthdays and so on.

You have to be explicit about what you want.

It's got nothing to do with having 'low standards', it's understanding that not everyone thinks the way that you do and expecting them to without any guidance is just a recipe for resentment.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 18/05/2026 15:24

TheCurious0range · 18/05/2026 14:25

He asked if you'd like a cake you say yes please, he asks about dinner you say book somewhere you think I'll line (then don't be moody if it's not where you would've picked) , he's not asking you to plan it he's clarifying what you want

Shouldn't he just do this without having to ask?

TeaPot496 · 18/05/2026 15:06

Disappointing he's putting the mental load of it onto you, yes. Is he usually so helpless?

StrongerForIt · 18/05/2026 14:29

TheCurious0range · 18/05/2026 14:25

He asked if you'd like a cake you say yes please, he asks about dinner you say book somewhere you think I'll line (then don't be moody if it's not where you would've picked) , he's not asking you to plan it he's clarifying what you want

This! And say you’d like a present too.

TheCurious0range · 18/05/2026 14:25

He asked if you'd like a cake you say yes please, he asks about dinner you say book somewhere you think I'll line (then don't be moody if it's not where you would've picked) , he's not asking you to plan it he's clarifying what you want

JHound · 18/05/2026 14:24

You are not being unreasonable but women with low standards will say you are.

Just tell him you are leaving him to plan it and see what he does on the day.

Spicysirracha · 18/05/2026 14:21

Fgs let up

he is planning your birthday as your requested / demanded

now you’re going to get in an arse about him not doing enough planning

why don’t you just wait until your birthday so see what he does before getting all woe is me?

Quitelikeit · 18/05/2026 14:21

You are not being unreasonable

This wouldn’t bother some people but to you it’s important and please please make sure you stop giving him a great birthday

I’d not even mention his tbh