Housewarming gift price range?

[NoCanoe]

I originally offered to buy a gift once my friends were settled and knew what they wanted. There had been talk of wanting to replace dinner plates, bed linen , towels etc.

They now have said they will forgo the non essential items in favour of something more practical.

That's fine. But because I never stipulated a budget at the time when it was a general idea, Im now being presented with an invoice far greater than anticipated.

Im just wondering if Im out of touch with price range these days, or am I being taken advantage of?

Id like some idea of what you'd consider normal price range before I say how much I am actually being asked for.

I do feel I have no option but to honour the commitment. But I'm a bit miffed.

Ive not thought about that in years.

Good old Mumsnet

Ive saved that image bentbastaard......

Oops....bentbaastard

Im actually feeling resonably good tonight.

So many of you have made so much sense. Its been like a jigsaw puzzle.....and I'm thinking....nooooo, that cant be the picture, it'll sort itself out.

And the pieces rack up. I put them together. And, reluctantly, I can't ignore what is in front of me.

Its a sucker punch.

But I'll get over it.

OP take care

Ive just caught up and read they still wanted something! The word parasite springs to mind.

Your part about nearly invented a fake reason to say no struck a chord with me. It's the sort of thing I would be tempted to do. But there is really no need. At nearly 50 I should know better.
Hopefully quite a few people reading this thread will be stronger now thanks to this OP!

Well done.

💐💐💐💐💐 for you OP and well done for standing up to those dreadful people who are just leeches.
It is hard to overcome the instinctive response to be nice and do "the right thing" and not rock the boat.
But good for you.Their sheer lack of embarrassment says it all about them!
Buy yourself something very nice with that 100e!!!

Thanks again, everyone.
You've all been incredibly supportive.

No further contact so far and I'm reluctant to block out of the blue, but its in my mind should there be any further problems.

I'm letting the interaction between us wither on the vine, as it were.

I'm not initiating any contact and I won't.

Praise be!!

Hope your weekend is happy and peaceful, @NoCanoe

My flabber is utterly gasted. Good for you, @NoCanoe

I had a lovely message from her, just the ususl stuff.

Then she added....

You going through a tough time, hun, I can tell. 😘
But, you are strong.
And, we can wait till for housewarming gift.

It can be my birthday prezzie,if you okay with that?

September *.....is the missing word.

Nooooo. This is starting to sound completely unbelievable!

Time to play??

(I'm feeling naughty - probably best to ignore any suggestions I make.)

That said... how about asking her for money for one of your bills?

Im sitting here. Just numb.

But ...ha! Like your norty streak, sandandsea

I'd agree with flowers, i couldn't imagine my friends acting like this.
Ive looked back, and I've just sent a card if not seeing them.

Fucking hell OP. They don't give up do they. And the only tough time you are going through is them treating you like an ATM. Just ignore and see how long before the next message appears.

Or could suggest that you have your own financial difficulties and how would they be fixed to help you after all the previous help / big presents you have given them in the past.

Seriously though OP hope you are ok. This can't feel good to you.

But, yes, September fine by me. She will get the 100 and thats it.

Unbelievable and I imagine they have been getting themselves into a twist trying to figure out how they can still get the money from you.

I'd be inclined to just block because I wouldn't want people like this in my life at all. Unless you want some fun and start sending continuous pleas for money from them yourself. Beware though they might say something but it got lost in the post :)

Thanks @cstaff.

Its awkward, but I'll manage it.

Thanks, @NoCanoe.

IRL, I would never play with anyone's feelings, UNLESS I genuinely thought they were trying to scam me or my friend. (It really does seem that way here, I'm sorry to say.) Surely, only a scammer would be trying to get you to commit to giving them money in September? It's like they've got the measure of you; they're talking as though you owe them, the gift is a given and they think that if you say you will pay them, you will. I think they're playing you (or trying to).

How do you want to reply now?

Op, please don't let them wear you down with their persistent money grabbing. Don't be tempted to give £100 for a combined housewarming and birthday present. Don't give these cfs anything. Stay strong and remember that you have all the mumsnetters behind you.

*SlipperOrchid you read them well from the start, as did a lot of you.

Its sad to say I'm still thinking......she so funny, we get on so well,.....

How much is maintaining this "friendship" actually worth to you?