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Original poster

Ex has a surprise for me tomorrow, what could it be?

343 replies

BigWheels · 12/05/2023 17:45

Ex had just left after spending a few hours with our son. On his way out he told us he has a surprise for us tomorrow morning and he will be coming to pick us up at 6.15am. He wasnt giving much away and I hate surprises so I'm desperate to know. Does anyone have any ideas?

Only information I have is that we have to leave at 6.15, its a long car journey and we can have breakfast once we get there.

I've known the guy for 10 years and he has never organised anything like this before. He's a hopeless gift giver so I'm more than a bit apprehensive. Not my birthday for another 2 months and our sons birthday was in February so nothing to celebrate.

I have previously expressed interest in a hot air balloon trip and because of the early start and long car journey I'm thinking maybe its that? But son is still too young for the trip and weather isn't looking great so I have my doubts about the hot air balloon theory. What could it be?

OP posts:
Mouldyfoodhelp · 14/05/2023 13:47

Having only seen my aunt off on one when I was very small I don't know much about hot air balloons.

Are they in demand? Maybe he was on a wait list/ cancellation?

Feels somewhat like he's done a nice thing ( potentially in circumstances he could afford) and some posters are determined he should have done more.

Also it's personal choice but I hate receiving vouchers and from what I've seen online people get vouchers for experiences and then life gets in the way and they're never used.

Mouldyfoodhelp · 14/05/2023 13:49

Also we don't know OPs circumstances, I'd personally have nobody to have a cream tea/ hot air balloon ride with apart from family.

Mouldyfoodhelp · 14/05/2023 13:58

Also we would need to factor in if OP could get there herself. Does she drive? Have money to public travel however far? Etc

Trainingfairy · 14/05/2023 17:49

No idea, depends what kind of relationship you guys have these days.... I'm intrigued so although I have no advice or suggestions to offer - you'd better tell us what it turned out to be - OR ELSE!!!! 😂

Womencanlift · 14/05/2023 18:04

Trainingfairy · 14/05/2023 17:49

No idea, depends what kind of relationship you guys have these days.... I'm intrigued so although I have no advice or suggestions to offer - you'd better tell us what it turned out to be - OR ELSE!!!! 😂

She did tell us. About two days ago

Charley50 · 14/05/2023 18:09

I'd be really pissed off if my partner / husband did this for his ex and would think he still had feelings for her.

Trainingfairy · 14/05/2023 18:17

Helpful of you @womencanlift. I've only just seen this thread so I'm not aware that the OP has responded. But thank you anyway, it was good of you to let me know.

adriftinadenofvipers · 14/05/2023 18:22

Charley50 · 14/05/2023 18:09

I'd be really pissed off if my partner / husband did this for his ex and would think he still had feelings for her.

How is that relevant?

ArcticSkewer · 14/05/2023 18:26

Mouldyfoodhelp · 14/05/2023 13:49

Also we don't know OPs circumstances, I'd personally have nobody to have a cream tea/ hot air balloon ride with apart from family.

It could be a pity present I suppose

adriftinadenofvipers · 14/05/2023 18:27

ArcticSkewer · 14/05/2023 18:26

It could be a pity present I suppose

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!!!!!

CrazyLadie · 14/05/2023 18:36

BigWheels · 13/05/2023 10:09

It was a trip in a hot air balloon for me as a very belated mothers days present. Son and ex went and had breakfast and a play in the park while I was up in the air.

Next time I will trust my instincts and not coming to mumsnet looking for ideas. Theres no need to try and make something negative out of a nice surprise.

Aw man that's awesome 🥰 It is so nice to see such a wonderful co-parent relationship, when we have kids we are supposed to put them first and I believe that includes the best relationship ya can with the other parent. Hats off to both of you 🤩

butterpuffed · 14/05/2023 18:39

So many MNers make it their life's mission to turn a nice thread into a nasty one . Odd .

samsmum2 · 14/05/2023 18:39

Wow what a toxic, suspicious bunch Mumsnetters can be. @BigWheels it sounds like a lovely thing he did for you, and he's setting a great example to your boy, showing him that his parents can still be friends, even though you're no longer together. My ex husband & I also have a very civil relationship - he came for Christmas with me and my new husband & kids one year. All fine, and so important not to drag children through the bitter shit that most people seem to think has to go hand in hand with divorce. Credit to you & your ex for getting it so right. Glad you enjoyed it!

Poppingmad123 · 14/05/2023 18:44

Euro Disney ?

What did he say you need to pack for this trip?

ThatFraggle · 14/05/2023 18:50

Yes, there are some negative comments, but they are not all the same.

  • It's a pity present: unnecessarily spiteful comment.

  • He never did such things before splitting up: Maybe he has matured, maybe ulterior motives.

*He's bored of his new relationship, stressed with a new baby and is trying to get into OP's pants: Possible. It's a well observed pattern that once some men see the grass isn't greener, they come sniffing back.

*It's disrespectful to his wife to do a romcom style surprise with OP: Debatable.

*He's being controlling: He got to dictate the time and date, giving OP no choice to make the selection herself. He could have given OP the gift as a voucher without coming along too.

Liorae · 14/05/2023 18:57

I too agree, congrats on your whole relationship!

saffy2 · 14/05/2023 19:01

BigWheels · 13/05/2023 10:09

It was a trip in a hot air balloon for me as a very belated mothers days present. Son and ex went and had breakfast and a play in the park while I was up in the air.

Next time I will trust my instincts and not coming to mumsnet looking for ideas. Theres no need to try and make something negative out of a nice surprise.

Amazing! I hope you had the best time and what a wonderful dad and ex he is 👍🏼 I would hope for similar treatment from my ex to be honest, the mother of his child after all…his only Child actually in our case, but alas I have never been gifted a hot air balloon ride 😂
i hope it was wonderful x

ItsBritneyBitchhhh · 14/05/2023 19:10

ArcticSkewer · 13/05/2023 11:53

And made sure he was part of it!

Wouldn't most people just give the gift card?

Enmeshed dynamics but up to them. More like a main and second wife situation, where the second wife is set up in a different house and the man moves between them.

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You’re extremely bad vibes

Growlybear83 · 14/05/2023 19:13

samsmum2 · 14/05/2023 18:39

Wow what a toxic, suspicious bunch Mumsnetters can be. @BigWheels it sounds like a lovely thing he did for you, and he's setting a great example to your boy, showing him that his parents can still be friends, even though you're no longer together. My ex husband & I also have a very civil relationship - he came for Christmas with me and my new husband & kids one year. All fine, and so important not to drag children through the bitter shit that most people seem to think has to go hand in hand with divorce. Credit to you & your ex for getting it so right. Glad you enjoyed it!

I couldn't agree more. I think it was a lovely, thoughtful gesture. Having been in a hot air balloon a few years ago, I'm very jealous! I hope you had a lovely trip, OP.

Newusernameaug · 14/05/2023 19:15

How lovely, hope you had a super time x

SeasonFinale · 14/05/2023 19:30

How lovely He obviously appreciates you are a good mum to his/your child.

YoucancallmeKAREN · 14/05/2023 19:35

Hope you had a great time, ignore the naysayers

Liorae · 14/05/2023 20:06

Charley50 · 14/05/2023 18:09

I'd be really pissed off if my partner / husband did this for his ex and would think he still had feelings for her.

Your insecurity is not the OPs problem.

toxic44 · 14/05/2023 20:07

I'd be pressed to trust an ex to that extent. I think I'd remember a previous appointment that can't be shelved.

Chelseyrd91 · 14/05/2023 20:22

Ionlydrinkondaysendinginy · 13/05/2023 10:40

I'm waiting for a new thread to appear saying my husband has left me home with our baby all day while he takes his ex out for a surprise day out.

Literally