DH booked a trip for him for my birthday

[MrsDurrells]

DH asked what I’d like for my birthday (last weekend), I clearly said no trips as I end up doing all the packing, planning, unpacking washing etc.
Hes booked us glamping, leaving after school today. All week I’ve reminded him I’m not packing, meal planning, shopping etc and guess what-he’s done a bit of a shop but no meal plans (eg we have bacon, broccoli and cookies?), there’s 3 kids to pack for still and the weather is set to be hot, cold, sunny, and rainy so all weathers really, and he’s not packed a thing yet!

Part of me says don’t help but another part of me knows it’s me and the kids that will suffer because frankly, we’ve experienced similar before! He is so unprepared about most things in life as he knows I always step in and sort it and he openly says he thinks I’m a perfectionist (I’m not I just like to be prepared and have saved his arse so many times!) It’s exhausting. It’s more a jolly for him than me isn’t it?

That's what I want to know ... not to mention WTF didn't she insist they go home since he'd absolutely only thought of himself and proved he left everything to her .

Unless he's packed power banks for phone / device charging there's always a chance that the 12yr old will be as equally annoyed with him 🤣

Don't lift a finger. When it all goes horribly wrong just be prepared to take the kids home. He's a shitty husband for going ahead and booking a trip when you specifically said you didn't want any such thing. This is the chance to practically demonstrate to him quite how shitty he is.

Have something nice at home (new DVD & some bags of popcorn?) that you can pull out to ameliorate the kids' disappointment when you have to come home because there's no food/practical necessities and it's simply not possible to stay.

I can't wait for an update... I hope you had some fun at least...

The op won't be able to charge her phone to respond until she gets back. Doubt chargers or battery packs have been packed.

This reminds me of a time my db took his 3dd's camping. He let them pack and his youngest arrived with her swimming costume, pjs, leggings and her school uniform for a week in Wales. Luckily my parents lived close to the campsite so my mum took the dd's shopping

you lot are some ungrateful people that’s all
I can say.
i’d be grateful that he bothered to do something . If it was me I’d stop even remembering it is your bday…see how you like it
a gift is a gift so where I’m from we are being taught to be grateful

So if you clearly tell someone not to do a thing, and they do it anyway, be grateful? Ok. 😆

I think she would’ve been quite happy if he had forgotten it was her birthday, at least she wouldn’t have to go on a trip she had expressly asked not to go on.

Fucking hell, how low is your bar that you think any present is good enough??

Her husband bought himself a gift and dressed it up as her birthday present.

Next year I'll buy DH some lovely candles ive had my eye on instead of the football shirt he's hoping for and tell him to be grateful the house will smell nice. I'm sure 10 years of that and our marriage will be in an excellent state.

I feel this thread has too quickly moved on from the threatened expose of BlueQuails business arrangements

Is anyone else hoping the OP is writing an hourly updated diary and that as soon as WiFi is available it will all download at once? ☕🍰

YANBU. Definitely don't help him pack or fix things once away.

How's it going?

I’m weirdly invested in this and desperate to know how it’s gone!!! Please do an update!

Here eagerly waiting for an update. I hope everything has gone wrong enough to cause you enjoyment but not bad enough to be actually miserable.

This would be my approach too. You have given him notice you don’t want to go and he has ignored it. Tell them to have a lovely time and then go and pamper yourself. Happy Birthday.

Just what I was thinking.
Hard work for you OP.

Just tell him straight … this is not your idea of fun but he can go with the kids.
You’re staying home and chilling.

Christ on a bike. Op specifically said she didn't want a trip! So what did her h buy her?

How would you like it if you got things you hated and didn't want for your birthday?

Expect more.
Raise your bar.
🙄

JFDIYOLO · Today 00:18
Is anyone else hoping the OP is writing an hourly updated diary and that as soon as WiFi is available it will all download at once?

Absolutely; and it reminds me I want a powerbank for my birthday.

Any camping where you have to bring your own bedding and toilet roll is not glamping. Might as well set up a yurt in our back garden...

I used to have one like this. They never get it. They think all they have to do is turn up and you’d be grateful. In my case it was because his dad was so shit he thought anything was better than that.

Oooh… we seem to have the same husband. I am rubbing my hands with glee and opening the notes app. I already have the “Where you left it…” answer well in use, and I alternate it with “Yes of course I’ve seen it, but I have no idea where you put it.”

Absolutely, OP is passing on DH’s uselessness.

Please don't cave in and do everything. Either stick to your guns and do nothing OR do not go and let him to with the kids.

You're a bit late with this advice. The OP went on Friday.

Being taught to be grateful when someone does something you specifically asked them not to isn't something to be proud of.