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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

It’s rude to ask why no present was bought?

133 replies

CescaCesca · 27/12/2021 23:30

My DF has texted me and my sibling asking why his partner didn’t receive a Christmas present. I genuinely don’t know how to reply because we do not have a very close relationship and unfortunately I didn’t even really think about it this year! We have never consistently bought for her (although always him). They have been together for 10+ yrs, and before I had kids I have occasionally bought something little for her, like a gift set.
I have a rocky relationship with my DF, there have been a few big tense conversations in the last couple of years and honestly he’s just a bit of a crap dad in general. He doesn’t make much of an effort to see or ask about my kids and as a family they are always doing things with her side of the family (holidays and meals out etc.) and don’t include us.
If we do ever go round to their house there is no trace of me or my sibling, but plenty of photos on the walls of her grown up children and their kids (so her grandchildren).
They did buy presents for my kids, me and DH so I do feel guilty now for not even thinking about it!

But aside from that even if I was upset I would never in a million yrs message someone and ask them why they didn’t buy a present!

OP posts:
Nonnymum · 28/12/2021 10:51

I think it would be better to get them both nothing rather than get him something and not her. Or get them a small token joint present like wine or chocolates.
It is odd to buy for one and not the other.

EscapeTheCastle · 28/12/2021 11:05

You could bluff it out. Its the one with the green reindeer paper! Are you sure it's not there? Then the next day tell him you found it in the car boot! Gosh so embarrassing!

WhatIsThisPlease · 28/12/2021 11:05

I've been with my DP 7 years and if my family bought for me and not him I'd be mortified. And really hurt.

Sorry, but I think you're well and truly in the wrong here.

KimikosNightmare · 28/12/2021 12:14

@ForagingForMullberries

I don't agree that you have to buy for her if you buy for him. She is nothing to you, she's only his girlfriend, so why do you have to buy her a present? The times that you have, you've been quite generous, and it seems like she has taken it for granted and expects it every year.
I agree. I don't see why she should expect a present.
ThymeTravel · 28/12/2021 12:22

If he's a shit dad then why are you punishing her with no gift, but buying him something? That bit I don't understand.

The photos not on the wall and no sign of you in the house is hurtful though tbh, but it's unrelated altogether.

Italiangreyhound · 28/12/2021 12:27

I do think EscapeTheCastle has a good idea!

"You could bluff it out. Its the one with the green reindeer paper! Are you sure it's not there? Then the next day tell him you found it in the car boot! Gosh so embarrassing!"

Of course of you posted them off that would work and if you delivered it would work too. Just make sure you do have some green reindeer paper!

Aprilx · 28/12/2021 12:32

I think it is pretty poor that you didn’t buy her a gift. It has probably hurt her feelings and made them wonder if there was an “issue” you are simmering over. So I think your father was brave to bring it up, he was perhaps trying to get something out in the open and talked about, rather than asking about a specific gift.

My husband’s widowed father started a relationship during the time I have been with my husband, we would not dream of leaving her out of present buying. It would be unbelievably rude.

CrumblyCrimble · 28/12/2021 12:35

He already knows the reason you didn't get her a gift. He (and she) just want to hear you say it.
Are you ready to have the conversation? If not just smooth it over.

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