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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not remind BF about anniversary

123 replies

SillyHousewife · 20/09/2021 03:55

I have been with my BF for almost a year. He's lovely though it's become clear over the last year that he's not at all romantic. I'm very sentimental and romantic and would love to be romanced but his good qualities are enough that I can mostly accept that he's not much into the whole thing. He hasn't said that he's not into it but in the last year, not a single flower which I think is a bit odd because I thought most men knew that women love flowers. I think this is the first relationship I've ever been in where there's been none in the first year. I'm not materialistic and don't expect huge bouquets but just a rose on a pillow would be nice. Also makes me a bit sad that I can see on his FB that he has given girlfriends flowers in the past.

So, in two weeks time, it's the anniversary of the day we met. I really want him to remember and make an effort on that day but I don't want to remind him. It was a while ago but on Valentines day this year, I went to a lot of effort to make him a special gift that focussed heavily on the date we met so, given that he has a good memory, I'm pretty sure he knows the date.

I know this is unreasonable but in all honesty, as much as I like him, I may seriously reconsider the relationship if he doesn't make any effort on said date. I know I can't expect him to be a mind-reader but I want to be with someone that doesn't have to be reminded of special dates. I had that for 20 years with my ex. It might sound harsh but we have other challenges in that our work hours are opposite and as a result, I spend a lot of time feeling quite lonely. I really like him (maybe love) but my gut is telling me that he has to show me that our relationship is worth it despite the challenges.

AIBU? Try to be kind - I'm quite fragile after my previous emotionally abusive relationship.

OP posts:
Iris2020 · 20/09/2021 20:15

@Suprima

Oh and everyone talking about Love Languages is hilarious. You do realise it was written by a priest to make catholic wives submit to sex as ‘physical touch’ was their love language Envy (not envy).

A good relationship will have ALL of the ‘love languages’. Not ‘oh he puts the dishwasher on so he doesn’t need to buy me flowers’

Gary Chapman isn't a priest or catholic and the book actually has little faith-related content (and although I read it about 15 years ago I don't remember it that way at all). There are plenty of books that do push the agenda you suggest but that one isn't one of them as far as I remember...
Granllanog · 21/09/2021 16:17

@Suprima

Oh and everyone talking about Love Languages is hilarious. You do realise it was written by a priest to make catholic wives submit to sex as ‘physical touch’ was their love language Envy (not envy).

A good relationship will have ALL of the ‘love languages’. Not ‘oh he puts the dishwasher on so he doesn’t need to buy me flowers’

Check your facts Suprima............Gary Chapman isn't a catholic priest and has been married to his wife for 45 years.

I stand by my recommendation of the book. I found it very helpful as have many friends.

SillyHousewife · 22/09/2021 08:46

Hi all. Just wanted to give you all an update on my changed perspective on this. I sent him this message yesterday:/
Hi handsome. Speaking of great nights, I was thinking that I'd like to do something on the X October to celebrate our first date. Nothing extravagant but I thought it might be nice to replay our first date at (location) with maybe an overnight stay here, there or somewhere.

His reply was:
That sounds awesome. Let's do it.

I may give him a single rose and I don't think I'll be disappointed if he doesn't do anything because as everyone has said, he doesn't really know that I like a bit of romance. I'm happy to just celebrate and I figure that gifting him a rose might be a good start to show him what I like without asking directly. I'm getting more confident out here in the big bad world and I do communicate some of my needs but I'll have to work on it.

Thanks again everyone.

OP posts:
WhatAShilohPitt · 22/09/2021 08:54

I’ve been with my husband 15 years and he’s never left a rose on a pillow. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t remember our important dates or love me. You sound too caught up in placing weight on symbolic gestures - remember that really awful men can buy flowers and remember anniversaries. The only ones worth anything are the ones who are kind and loving towards you. Don’t value your worth by if he gets you followers compared to exes - maybe they moaned loads about not getting any, maybe he had a friend who was getting his partner some and copied. Whatever the case, it has no correlation to how he feels about you.

WhatAShilohPitt · 22/09/2021 08:55

Ffs that was illegible. Hope that made some sense! Flowers, not followers!

custardbear · 22/09/2021 08:58

@MonkeyPuddle

I think you’re setting yourself up to fail, you’re giving him an unknown task with a lot of meaning for you. You say you don’t expect him to be a mind reader, but it doesn’t look that way. Have you told him that anniversaries are important to you?
^^ yep! Girls hold treasures in dates and anniversaries, more than guys. I'd be letting him know I'd want to do something special or at least say what shall we do on our anniversary etc ... don't just leave it to whether he remembers ... it's likely he won't and you'll be miffed
VippingQ · 22/09/2021 14:11

What is it with single roses? I don't get it.

KarmaStar · 22/09/2021 14:29

I think you are coming on too heavy for the amount of time you actually spend together and have expectations of him to heal past hurts.
Perhaps working on your self esteem,going out more,hobbies etc,will stop you going any further down this path you are on.

hardboiledeggs · 22/09/2021 14:30

Here's a tip, (most) men do not think like women do. What is important to (some) of us doesn't even register to them. Don't start trying to get him to think your way without telling him what you expect/want. Your just going to raise your hopes and get hurt when it doesn't happen.

Iris2020 · 22/09/2021 14:40

@KarmaStar

I think you are coming on too heavy for the amount of time you actually spend together and have expectations of him to heal past hurts. Perhaps working on your self esteem,going out more,hobbies etc,will stop you going any further down this path you are on.
Not really - they've been together 1 year. By that time many cough are married / have a child on the way. There's no ideal timetable for relationships.

I think the OP is approaching things just fine. No need for people to shoot down her efforts as she's gone and done exactly what many suggested and initiated a romantic gesture. When described in writing they always sound corny but that doesn't mean they're not wonderful in real life.

Cas112 · 22/09/2021 15:39

@SillyHousewife

Ginghamize, that's a great idea. I will definitely look into it but it may raise another concern I have. We've never really said "I love you". Several months ago, I said to him "I can see that one day, I'm going to fall madly in love with you". His response was to smile and say "Well, that's good". I didn't worry too much about it but then three months ago, he said "I think I'm falling in love with you". His earlier response must have been in my head because when he said that, I paused and then without thinking said "Well, that's good". Pretty cheeky and I was shocked I said it but I just couldn't think of anything else to say.

A couple of months ago, I told him that I loved him but it was when we were both cuddled up and feeling a bit euphoric. I honestly can't recall what he replied with - must have been the wine. Lol

Anyway, we've not said anything like that since but he does regularly send me messages saying:
I'm really into you
Have I told you I'm smitten?

I have my own interpretation of the word smitten and I think it's pretty positive but I'm wondering if he says it as a form of I love you? It's an awkward thing to ask, really. I don't want to over or under interpret it and am not sure I should ask exactly what he means.

This sounds really childish OP, ask him how he feels if you want to know, stop guessing and also tell him how you feel about the anniversary situation, open a conversation about it.

Be open and honest that's how relationships work, otherwise what's the point. Neither of you are mind readers and you both should be grown up enough to discuss these things.

woodenbroomer · 22/09/2021 17:27

I think you're setting yourself up for more disappointment re the rose and hoping this prompts him into making the reciprocal gestures you like. The point is, whilst you like receiving them, giving them is just not his style. He may end up doing it out of obligation and that will be apparent to you.

We wouldn't advise a woman do things for her partner that he liked but she felt obligated to do.

goose1964 · 22/09/2021 17:31

Just because someone's not romantic it doesn't mean they'll be a bad partner. It's a bit odd to want to celebrate a year of dating.

rainonlarch · 22/09/2021 17:33

It's a bit odd to want to celebrate a year of dating

I disagree. What of people in long term relationships who don't marry? Aren't they ever to celebrate their passing time together?

happysingle1976 · 22/09/2021 17:40

If you're interested in self-growth and and healthy relationships in future, you might find it interesting to look up 'manipulative personality' traits, such as here: www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/am-i-manipulative
You're far more likely to find yourself a happy healthy non-abusive relationship in future if you work on yourself, rather than thinking about what you want the person you're with to work on.

Etinox · 22/09/2021 17:57

@SillyHousewife

Hi all. Just wanted to give you all an update on my changed perspective on this. I sent him this message yesterday:/ Hi handsome. Speaking of great nights, I was thinking that I'd like to do something on the X October to celebrate our first date. Nothing extravagant but I thought it might be nice to replay our first date at (location) with maybe an overnight stay here, there or somewhere.

His reply was:
That sounds awesome. Let's do it.

I may give him a single rose and I don't think I'll be disappointed if he doesn't do anything because as everyone has said, he doesn't really know that I like a bit of romance. I'm happy to just celebrate and I figure that gifting him a rose might be a good start to show him what I like without asking directly. I'm getting more confident out here in the big bad world and I do communicate some of my needs but I'll have to work on it.

Thanks again everyone.

Rtft people! Lovely message and lovely response @SillyHousewife
Offmyfence · 22/09/2021 18:07

@SillyHousewife

Hi all. Just wanted to give you all an update on my changed perspective on this. I sent him this message yesterday:/ Hi handsome. Speaking of great nights, I was thinking that I'd like to do something on the X October to celebrate our first date. Nothing extravagant but I thought it might be nice to replay our first date at (location) with maybe an overnight stay here, there or somewhere.

His reply was:
That sounds awesome. Let's do it.

I may give him a single rose and I don't think I'll be disappointed if he doesn't do anything because as everyone has said, he doesn't really know that I like a bit of romance. I'm happy to just celebrate and I figure that gifting him a rose might be a good start to show him what I like without asking directly. I'm getting more confident out here in the big bad world and I do communicate some of my needs but I'll have to work on it.

Thanks again everyone.

Love it!

❤️

Enjoy!

OrangeTortoise · 22/09/2021 18:10

I like your update OP! I hope you have a lovely evening.

billy1966 · 22/09/2021 18:55

Great update, wishing you the best.

CallMeRisley · 22/09/2021 19:28

@SillyHousewife

Hi all. Just wanted to give you all an update on my changed perspective on this. I sent him this message yesterday:/ Hi handsome. Speaking of great nights, I was thinking that I'd like to do something on the X October to celebrate our first date. Nothing extravagant but I thought it might be nice to replay our first date at (location) with maybe an overnight stay here, there or somewhere.

His reply was:
That sounds awesome. Let's do it.

I may give him a single rose and I don't think I'll be disappointed if he doesn't do anything because as everyone has said, he doesn't really know that I like a bit of romance. I'm happy to just celebrate and I figure that gifting him a rose might be a good start to show him what I like without asking directly. I'm getting more confident out here in the big bad world and I do communicate some of my needs but I'll have to work on it.

Thanks again everyone.

Amazing update, great communication, keep it up. All the best OP
Cheeseplantboots · 22/09/2021 19:29

Not all women like flowers. I do like looking at them but I also think they’re a total waste of money. I’m not romantic at all. My husband and I have been together 27 years, we’ve never done romance. I have no idea of the date we first met or started going out together so I wouldnt expect him to remember. A good man who treats you well and respects you is the important thing, not whether he sticks a bloody rose on your pillow🙄

Annoyedanddissapointed · 22/09/2021 20:12

The only flowers I woud accept 😁

AIBU to not remind BF about anniversary
SequinsandStiIettos · 23/09/2021 21:59

There was a fab bouquet on GBBO this week annoyed right up your alley.
I would accept a lego bouquet gladly. They are awesome and last longer.
Hope you have a nice day OP.

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