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.

MN should advertise themselves as 'MN saved NoCanoe £550, what will MN do for you?'

And where's the DailyFail when you need it? CFers should be exposed for all to see (and wouldn't it be fun doing the sad face photos?

That made me laugh, CountFosco. Good slogan!

But nah, not doing sad face for Daily Mail. My resting grumpy bitch face is all Im expressing at present.

Nor would I want to be identified as ' that numpty'.

It’s just so much money.

Honestly I spend about £15 on my friends these days.

I’ve never spent that much on anyone.

Flowers , it is genuinely crap to look back years of what you thought were i indicative of genuine friendship, and suddenly have the scales whipped from your eyes.

In a sense it is about the money, but, it goes far deeper than that. Its so deeply layered that I get a knot in my throat when I think of it.

Not just a hole in my bank balance !

Oops....mixed metaphors.

Lump in the throat, knot in stomach. I clearly like to mix and match!

I am dumbfounded! The sooner they get the hint the better!!! X

SimplyPut, I couldnt agree more. Im hoping they realise they've ran out of roping me in, so will take my distance as a reason to say ....'shucks! We've been made...lets give it best'

Another issue that upsets me, is that I told her something that only close family and my best friend knew.

Not a biggie. But thats how much I trusted her.

Well done again, OP. Your curt responses should definitely show them that they're being inappropriate. Gosh, her behaviour is so crass, I actually cringed when I read her September birthday gift suggestion! Some people have no shame.

Have you heard from her since, OP?

MoreCookies, no, I haven't. Which is nice. In a way.
But I'm now wondering their next plan of attack.

Having cast a very cynical eye over the years, I am cringing.

I feel so bad for you, NoCanoe. You've been a wonderful friend- it's them, not you.

I think they will say or do anything OP. Humour, confide, confront, beg - because you ate their opportunity to gain some money and what have they to lose? Not getting it?

Don’t beat yourself up. They are adept at this sort of conman’s game. Don’t analyze, don’t make excuses, don’t be self critical...... you were played.

Slipper, I cant help but blame myself.

But it's done now. I've been had. Many times.

I need to suck it up , as they say.

I'm upset at myself, but I'm feeling very emotionally detached from friend.

Oh for goodness sake OP. You have had tremendous support and indignation on your behalf and quite honestly I despair. Just tell these horrid people to go away be an adult and cut contact this thread should not be continuing in this vein. Great to get support from people bolstering you up but really!!!

I really hope you find the strength to one day cut these robbing bastards out of your life, but I'm glad you are giving them NO money. FFS, 3 adult kids and they're still going round begging housewarming presents? What a pair of con artists! They're at least in their 50s and can't furnish their own house? Bullshit. NO MORE MONEY for these grifters.

LondonGirl, you're right, of course.

But I only posted 2 weeks ago?
This is a friendship of many years. Too many, I agree.

But, really? You think knowing the truth means you can just get over it , in one swell swoop? Really?

I do intend to cut this thread . And change my name!

OP honestly you have drip fed how they have treated you with this recent addition. 100% your choice but until you cut them out you are going to have difficulty moving on. Of course you will not get over this overnight, two weeks is a fair time for reality to set in. If you continue doing the same thing you will get the same result. Madness. Good luck on moving forward.

LondonGirl ,I didnt drip feed. I was asked a direct question, so answered it.

If you really take on board my posts ,you will see where I am.

And that is a good unemotional place. Which is my default position.

Great in one way, not so great in another.

In real life I don't think 2 weeks is much time to process a long friendship.

@dreichuplands, thank you!!