AIBU to be angry at siblings?

[Gemm83]

Dad's birthday in a couple of weeks. Going for a weekend away to celebrate in lovely house. Friends are very kindly paying for us as there is no way DH and I could afford it. However, I'm still stressing about finances as in to fill car up with diesel and pay our way with the "big shop"

I am currently on bog standard SMP and whilst DH is full time once all bills are paid we probably have around £150 disposable income to do what we want with.

My Sister text me yesterday and said "Oh by the way we (sister and brother) have got Dad a Tag watch for his birthday. We are paying monthly so you need to set up a direct debit to one of our accounts for your share!!! WTF??!! Now, in the grand scheme of things they are paying the majority and £10 a month isn't a massive thing... But over 18 months that's £180! The watch itself is entry level, but still cost over £1000. Its not even a special birthday.

I am totally fucked off because they didn't even mention they were getting a present and I now feel completely compelled to contribute as otherwise I'm going to look like a complete arsehole!!!

They are both well off and have form for this. Last time was a £600 watch and £100 bottle of perfume... Again I felt forced to contribute.

AIBU??

MistyCloud and good on you for saying sorry.

Thanks @BaolFan

Christ what a bun fight. Op you are not a mooch, and those who are suggesting it (backhandedly) are rather harsh. It's nice that your friends are helping you out. Anyone who buys a gift that takes 18 months to pay off is bonkers.

@Corna

I don't know if that's aimed at me, but I said I wasn't having a dig at the OP, just that I wouldn't like people paying for me. And I said sorry for any offence.

So please stop trying to keep the 'bunfight' going, when I have said sorry.

It does sound like they're trying OP - 180 towards a 1k watch is actually very reasonable indeed.

Don't be absurd. How is it in any way reasonable? The OP doesn't have that sort of money and never agreed to contribute in the first place.

Why is everyone questioning the OP about totally irrelevant matters? Her AIBU was not about whether her friends should pay for their stay so all the nosey people who are expressing surprise at this should wind their necks in.
To some extent a few friends are closer to me than family as they have had my back for over 40 years. Obviously that’s difficult to understand for the “just me and my little family” types so prevalent on MN.

@MistyCloud

Thankyou for your apology. 😊

I have spoken to my sister today and told her I was somewhat surprised they decided to do what they did, especially considering its not a "big" birthday. She said it was a very off the cuff decision and it didn't even enter her mind that it would be an issue (🙄). Anyways I am putting towards it what I would have spent (not the £180 as previously asked for) and all is well. I also said not to do it in future, or atleast if there is a plan for a significant present then give me the heads up a couple of months or so, not the weekend before the actual event.

So, that's sorted. Food order has been placed and split equally between the adults and hears hoping for a brilliant weekend 😊

Hats off to you, OP! Brilliantly handled.
Not often you see a sensible, measured approach and resolution on here!

I do like a happy ending. 🥳 🍷

Have a great weekend, so glad it has all worked out.

Fantastic. Well done OP. Have a great weekend.

Did you address it before?