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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU about DH or do I need to just suck it up?

114 replies

Morebirthdayblues · 20/08/2013 10:15

Before I start I know this isn't a massive problem in the grand scheme of thing and a lot of people are going through a lot worse, but I'm really annoyed by this.

DH has always been notoriously crap at buying gifts, and last year for my 30th I got nothing, we were busy starting our own business and he said he didn't have the time or money to get me anything. I was so upset we had a massive row, and he vowed to do better.

When I had DS after a two day very traumatic labour he left the hospital to get me something, and came back with a box of strawberries! And not even a card to say well done, or I'm proud of you.

These have both really annoyed me and I'm not looking for a massive present, I'd rather he spent a tenner and picked something out for me.

Fast forward to my birthday this year and I stupidly thought he might buck himself up this time. A few days before my birthday he said he had thought we could go into town for something to eat and to the cinema and pick my present, he never organised a babysitter or tried to sort this and at short notice we had no one to ask.

When the day of my birthday came he never said happy birthday in the morning or even mentioned it when we spoke on the phone during the day, when he got home from and seen cupcakes on the table the penny dropped. He dashed out with DS to the local garage to buy a card, when he came back with it I refused to take them, he had basically forgot.

This is really pissing me off as it happens time and time again, and every time I pull him about it he get all upset with himself and is on the verge of tears, which pisses me off as it as if have to feel sorry for him.

He says he really tries but is just crap at things like that, and would rather I picked my present myself as hes afraid of getting the wrong thing. He has spoiled every big occasion for me. Our engagement was awful, he just handed me the box with the ring in it, he spoiled our wedding day by getting drunk and having a good time with his mates, he was too drunk to DTD and basically fell asleep during it. Our honeymoon was in an idyllic place over valentines day and he didn't even get me a card, or do anything special and wouldn't fork out for a meal on the beach as we were all inclusive and he didn't want to spend the extra money.

I don't want to come across as if I need big grand gestures, but something would be nice. He's great otherwise, he's an unreal father to our DS and does his fair share of housework, I'm 8 weeks pregnant at the minute and very sick and he is doing everything to help me out.

So AIBU in being upset over his behaviour on these occasions, as I feel he isn't showing any thought for me, or should I be thankful he's a great husband and father otherwise and just accept that he's crap at this type of thing?

OP posts:
FrancescaBell · 20/08/2013 20:01

What was his rationale for the wedding incident last week then?

ARealDame · 20/08/2013 20:17

What pyrrah says (p.3), great post!

Snog · 20/08/2013 20:18

receiving presents is very important to you. ask your dh why he is hapoy to upset you over what is clearly a big issue to you.
my best friend managed to retrain her dh about presents so there is hope!

WestieMamma · 20/08/2013 20:20

YANBU

It's the thought that counts and as there is no thought it's only natural that you'll be upset.

My husband is also truely awful at buying presents but I forgive him because I know he agonises over getting it right. He really did believe I'd be made up to get a new colander for valentine's day and we laugh now about the dog made out of a car exhaust I got for my birthday Shock

Morebirthdayblues · 20/08/2013 20:23

francesca he seen me a couple of times and because I was pretending to be drunk so no one would suspect he thought I looked happy, and must not have been sick.
Only it would have blown my cover I really wanted to drive home and leave him there to sort himself out.
He couldn't see why I was so annoyed at the fact that he never really checked on me, which annoyed me more!!

I live in hope snog as I really feel I can change this as he has responded really well to my requests to change before. But tbh I know this may be the one thing I can never do anything about.

OP posts:
everlong · 20/08/2013 20:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Morebirthdayblues · 20/08/2013 20:34

Yes he is everlong he's a very nice person in general and everyone thinks very highly of him. I'm proud to call him my DH as I feel he's a far better person than me, but he's so bloody useless sometimes!!!

OP posts:
everlong · 20/08/2013 20:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

raisah · 20/08/2013 21:49

My dh is like this & sometimes I get a bit jealous of other couples who spoil each other and wish we were the same. He is brilliant in other ways but it is a bit like living with Mr. Spock & it would be nice to be noticed for a change. Not much advice apart from setting up a daily reminder on his mobile a week before his birthday.

Morebirthdayblues · 21/08/2013 11:31

I know a lot of men who buy great pressies but they are awful to their wife the rest of the time. I would just like a balance between the two.

But this thread has made me see than he's a really good husband most of the time, and this is his one major fault. I don't think I will be able to change him and it may be something I'm going to have to accept and just be happy he is good to me otherwise!!

I still want a pressie though!!! Confused

OP posts:
WorrySighWorrySigh · 21/08/2013 12:45

It may be worth you sitting down and discussing the different ways of expressing love together. You may both find it eye-opening. While gifts matter to you, what matters to him? Are you showing you love him in a way he recognises?

3ismylot · 21/08/2013 13:18

I think its a lot more important that he is a loving and helpful husband rather than buying you gifts.

DH and I rarely exchange gifts as it seems silly, we have a joint account and if we want something we buy it! Although we do always wish the other Happy Birthday and if we have the chance have a nice meal together.

I understand you feeling upset about Birthday and Christmas presents if you place a level of importance on them but fail to see why he should have got you something on the Birth of you dc and wedding day Hmm

I also dont get the fascination of valentines day? Even for single people I find it silly but for couples and especially married couples I dont get it as that is what an anniversary is about!

I do get that I am probably in a minority though and may sound old and grumpy Grin

FrancescaBell · 21/08/2013 14:05

I think it's far more problematic if a birthday or day that is special to someone is ignored, forgotten about and the person feels neglected on that day, than the absence of a card and a present.

Anyone can buy a flash present but be emotionally and physically absent throughout the special day.

Whereas a day full of kind gestures, love and attention is worth far more than an expensive gift.

In my language.

Morebirthdayblues · 21/08/2013 19:05

I agree francesca I would value a cheaper thing that had meaning over an expensive present any day and he knows that. But he can never think of anything sentimental he says, but he's not coming up with anything expensive either!

I haven't really spoke to him for days so he's aware I'm still upset, but he hasn't mentioned it to me again which has really annoyed me.

I'm going to bring it up again tonight when he gets home, he probably thinks if he doesn't say anything ill eventually forget it and he'll be off the hook.

3ismyloy I don't get valentines either really. I do like cards in general though, and he knows that.I hold onto them and love looking back on them as he usually writes something sentimental on them or about that he's looking forward to something we have ahead of us, like a baby for example.

I think after a two day very complicated labour the least he could do is buy me a card!!

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