To think a meal should not be part of a Birthday Present?

[zaktha]

I recently turned 60. I like material gifts not experiences and my family know this.

For my 60th birthday present, DH got me a pair of earrings (c£200) and is paying for a slap up meal with him, me, and our adult dc (c£300).

AIBU to think the meal isn’t really a gift to me?

Your dh never buys you a birthday present?

In reality, it’s likely no one brought this OP anything because lives alone, very alone

Not quite sure why my post got deleted. I simply told OP she was behaving like a brat.

I don’t think I’m in the minority with my thoughts either!

why are pps competively declaring they get nothing and never grumble!

I wonder why @zaktha bothered posting. She knew it was a goady post and that she would be told she was being ungrateful.

A meal is part of the celebration, not the actual present.

Tho of course it all depends on money - if the giver cannot afford both which would you prefer ?
maybe the matching necklace and a take away ?

I'm guessing that anyone who starts a post with "I like material gifts" is actually quite difficult to please.

I think that sounds perfect!

Husband had same reaction as me. Couldn't believe someone could be so self absorbed that they wouldn't share their birthday meal with their husband. Were we supposed to leave FIL at home on his own?

@Flamingojune Because some people have very low expectations! It’s rather sad.

Why is that competitive rather than just factual?

@Womaninhouse17 Because it’s a “race” to the bottom of not being appreciated! Note the word “race”.

@zaktha not coming back then

I think the competitive angle might just be in your imagination.

I think you need to grow up. I paid for a birthday meal for my teenage son and girlfriend as part of his present. You know what, he was extremely great full. You are over 44 older than my son. Like I said, grow up.

No. He did once, it was awful. I just buy what I want.

My partner doesn't usually buy me a birthday present either. He buys me things at random times of year if he thinks they are something I'll like. I think that means far more, but I wouldn't get upset if he didn't even do that because I'm not a child any more. There are other ways to show appreciation and affection.

Because they're suggesting that people should be grateful for anything because they get nothing.

TBH I'd rather have nothing than something rubbish because "it's the thought that counts". Useful or joyful presents are lovely and appreciated, but those ones that I'll never use and wouldn't enjoy are different.

That being said, I do think OP is very ungrateful for complaining that she got so much spent on her, including a decent gift, but that it wasn't enough.

Then don't go for the meal. DH and DC will probably have a better time.

I'd say it's comparative rather than competitive, but I agree OP was being ungrateful.