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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not plan Dh birthday

27 replies

Autienotnaughtie · 12/03/2024 13:56

It's DH 50th next year. When I turned 50 a couple of years ago I wanted to do something special so we went to the south of France. I planned it and booked it. He was miserable on the trip, didn't want to pay for drinks as he felt it was too expensive. Refused to get the bus when it was a 30min walk to our apartment and my feet were covered in blisters. We had an awful time largely due to his clear unhappiness at being there. He did get me a few gifts and a card. (I don't remember what. I think smellies and books)

Despite that I was still keen to treat him for his 50th we had had a couple of chats about what to do. We were at a party and I raised it (in context with the conversation). Later dh had a go at me telling me to 'stop bringing it up' i think it had been mentioned 3 times in about 18 months.

I haven't raised it since. (About a year ) dd asked what I'm planning, I said nothing. If dh wants to do something or asks me to do something I will and I won't be mardy about it but I don't want to plan for someone who made minimal effort for my birthday and ruined our holiday. Aibu?

OP posts:
KTheGrey · 12/03/2024 14:03

No, Fair enough. He sounds like he doesn't like fuss or indeed being put out of his routine.

VickyEadieofThigh · 12/03/2024 14:04

Sounds like you'd get it wrong whatever you did. I'd do nothing except card and unimaginative present.

Purpledragonz · 12/03/2024 14:06

I wouldn't do shit
He's taking you for granted

EmilyTjP · 12/03/2024 14:07

YANBU. Sounds like he doesn’t want anything planned.

TeaKitten · 12/03/2024 14:13

He doesn’t want you to plan anything so don’t. Your daughter still can if she wants to though.

AnneLovesGilbert · 12/03/2024 14:15

Don’t plan anything. Buy him some socks.

EternalSunshine01 · 12/03/2024 14:17

I think that’s fine. I would double check that he knows you don’t intend to do anything and leave it.

Mindymomo · 12/03/2024 14:19

Not everyone wants to celebrate big birthdays or anniversaries, leave it alone for a few months, he’s already said stop bringing it up.

TeaKitten · 12/03/2024 14:22

Oh I missed the fact that his birthday isn’t even until next year! I thought it was coming up. Deff don’t mention it, I can see why he said to stop bringing it up now when you were going on about it over 2 years in advance. It’s 9+ months away, forget about it OP.

Purpledragonz · 12/03/2024 14:38

I do admit stating to plan 3 to 3 1/2 years in advance is really early though

Foxblue · 12/03/2024 14:47

Don't do anything, I think the way he behaved on your birthday trip was really horrible tbh, why reward him for not making any effort

DollyPlastic · 12/03/2024 14:47

Maybe he's like me and doesn't really care about birthdays

DappledThings · 12/03/2024 14:53

Why are you assuming he wants anything planned? It doesn't sound like he does.

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 12/03/2024 14:55

OP take yourself back to the south of France. Buy all the wine and give yourself a birthday do-over instead!

BoohooWoohoo · 12/03/2024 14:56

It sounds like he doesn’t want to do anything.

Since he’s clearly a misery guts who will be pissed off whatever you do, might as well do nothing.

Gymnopedie · 12/03/2024 15:05

Ask him once more. Whatever answer you get, tell him you want it in writing. Then go happily about your life. The day before his birthday nip into Card Factory for a 29p card and Primark for socks. Give them to him with a print out of his answer.

Or I suppose you could put divorce papers in the card.

Autienotnaughtie · 12/03/2024 15:16

Purpledragonz · 12/03/2024 14:38

I do admit stating to plan 3 to 3 1/2 years in advance is really early though

I take your point it was like we could do Edinburgh Fringe, or a festival. Ideas not specific plans.

OP posts:
Mummame222 · 12/03/2024 15:18

YNBU. He doesn’t want it would BU to force it on him. He sounds quite hard work.

Purpledragonz · 12/03/2024 15:20

Autienotnaughtie · 12/03/2024 15:16

I take your point it was like we could do Edinburgh Fringe, or a festival. Ideas not specific plans.

You sound really really lovely
But your efforts are wasted on him.
I'd say plan something nice for yourself, a nice solo trip or trip with friends somewhere where you can fully enjoy yourself.

BeaRF75 · 12/03/2024 15:22

Most adults really don't make a fuss about birthdays, inc so-called "big birthdays". Frankly, it's embarrassing and cheesy. If he doesn't want to do anything, then just leave him be and respect his choices.

Mummame222 · 12/03/2024 15:25

BeaRF75 · 12/03/2024 15:22

Most adults really don't make a fuss about birthdays, inc so-called "big birthdays". Frankly, it's embarrassing and cheesy. If he doesn't want to do anything, then just leave him be and respect his choices.

I hate big celebrations but a lot of adults make a fuss over big birthdays. It’s pretty common, no need to make anyone feel shitty about it. If you don’t want to that’s cool, if you do, great, have fun!

Autienotnaughtie · 12/03/2024 15:56

Thanks everyone it's helpful to think that it's actually better for dh too.

OP posts:
DrinkFeckArseBrick · 12/03/2024 16:01

Do you actually like each other? I can't imagine being in a relationship with someone who thinks its OK to ruin a trip away with their grumpiness and won't let us take the bus if I had sore feet. That's not normal!

Favouritefruits · 12/03/2024 16:28

He’s made it clear he doesn’t want a fuss! Leave it, definitely don’t organise a party! Stop forcing the issue and just give him a nice gift and card, you can easily get a takeaway or go out for a low key meal on the night no need to organise it months in advance.

Iloveacurry · 12/03/2024 16:41

He sounds like a miserable git. I wouldn’t bother arranging anything.