to expect my dad to remember my birthday?or send me a card?

[crazyjane]

just because he's emigrated and remarried does that mean i don't exist anymore? hate the way he conveniently forgets my birthday and my kids birthdays. hate the way its always me who picks up the phone and keeps up the contact..wtf???

No you are not. My dad has not remebered my birthday in 20 years or more (don't know before that as mam always did it). It annoys me every year but I no longer mention it to him. Woe betide me though if I forget his - I get hurt puppy dog eyes for weeks!

My Dad is similar. Forgot my 21st (I was at home then); at an extended family gathering introduced his new wife and step son and left my brother and I to explain who we were; money meant for our education spent on wining and dining girlfriends...

Fortunately my brother and I do a good line in mockery, much of what we predicted has come true and now, being a bit older with families of our own, we are also a bit more understanding/forgiving of my father's faults.

we don't do birthdays in our family at all. We do nice things and love each other. but everyone is so busy and frantic that only the children get birthday pressies. THe adults all forget about each others and its totally coool! Imagine my shock when my DH's mum CRIED! yes was in TEARS when he did not go home (300 miles away) for her birthday and only yes ONLY sent her some flowers. Hilarious.
SO AYBU? well, if you were in my family - yes. But if you were in DH's family - no!
xx