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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner expecting me to buy Christmas gifts for his entire family as well as our mutual friends.

233 replies

giadak · 17/12/2018 04:35

Hi all. I'm in a dilemma here - if you can call it that. I'm not overly close to my family - largely because I don't have a big family - and the remaining members have either moved/have their own families etc... There's no ill will, but we are just different.

I've been with my partner for 6-7 years. I always spend Christmas with my parents and he goes to spend Christmas with his family in the countryside. His family is larger and he has lots of elderly relatives, so we both think it is important that he spends time with them - and I spend time with my family. We have our own mini Christmas too obviously, but usually on Boxing Day. I have been to his side of the family, but around Christmas time as opposed to the actual day (25th) as I like to be back in the city by then.

Anyway; I like to plan gifts - as in make a list of gift recipients, figure out what I want to get for them, then shop online - or if I can't get it online; I'll go out and buy it. Saves a lot of time and hassle. We did the list together this year - and all was fine. We then started to shop online on both our laptops respectively.

He then blurted out that he's willing to buy the gifts for his Mum and Dad, but I should buy the gifts for his sister, his brother, his brother's wife, his nephew and his grandparents.

He sent me a list of things that they'd like - but I'm unsure as to what exactly he is contributing. He has a LOT of his own money - and I'm good with money on too. However; he feels that because I'm 'better' at gift-buying that he's going to leave it all to me. The total cost of the gifts that I'm 'supposed' to buy round up to around £700 whereas the cost of 'his' gifts came up to £200.

Bear in mind; I'm not even spending upwards of £700 on myself nor my own family members! Also, I'm not overly close to his family. I understand that he wants the gifts to be from both of us, but he's not buying a single thing for my family members - nor has he asked me what I'd like this year - which is frankly nothing at this point.

AIBU to think it's outrageous to spend so much on his family?!

No doubt I'll be left to do all the wrapping, writing the cards etc... whilst his 'job' is done and dusted for the year.

OP posts:
CupsAndPentacles · 18/12/2018 16:21

Just do nothing.

notsurewhatshappening · 18/12/2018 16:29

He is beine a CF. DH and I have a joint account. He hates present shopping, I like doing it so I buy 100% of the presents for both sides of the family. In return he buys me a really nice present. I work part time so it's easier for me to pick things up anyway. We are both happy with this arrangement!

GaraMedouar · 18/12/2018 16:39

No no no and nope. Please say no!

AdobeWanKenobi · 18/12/2018 16:48

This doesn't seem like much of a partnership at all. Together for 7 years and you're spending Christmas apart? Thats the tip of a bloody large iceberg.

Do me a favour. Make yourself a cup of tea and sit yourself down somewhere quiet. Now have a think. When did you last feel equal in this relationship? When did you last feel loved? Appreciated? When did you last feel like a partner and not a parent with him?

You deserve better. Give yourself the best Christmas gift ever this year and get rid. I promise you won't regret it.

HollowTalk · 18/12/2018 16:53

I agree - LTB.

You deserve so much better than this lazy cocklodger.

enoughisenough2 · 18/12/2018 17:32

Wow 😮 idiots do exist

SushiMonster · 18/12/2018 17:35

How do people ever get into this situation?

You buy for your side darling and I’ll buy for mine.

BerylStreep · 18/12/2018 20:06

enoughisenough2 that seems unnecessarily snide.

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