Does anyone want to come and pass judgement on a longish tale about dh's birthday present to me?

[bibbitybobbityhat]

So it was my birthday yesterday. One of my presents from dh was in an envelope ... tickets to go and see a band I really like! . Hooray, how fab.

But then (get this) he says "Sorry, I can't come that night, I'm working ... but you can get a friend to go with you".

So it means I will first of all have to ask around among my friends and see if someone wants to come with me (which I kind of doubt as this band is one of those "guilty pleasures" kind of outfits, they are a bit of an acquired taste and not everybody loves them).

Then book a babysitter to come at 5.30pm and feed the children as well as getting them to bed.

Get myself to Hammersmith (more than an hour's journey involving a bus and overland train and a tube).

And do the same in reverse on the way back from the gig, possibly on my own, depending on which friend I go with.

AIBU to think this is not actually a great present?

Think he meant well. I go with get him to stretch to cab there and back as compensation for not going with you.

You are lovely peeps you know.

You are getting me to see the good intentions behind this present. Am thawing slightly.

FourArms - that Christmas pressie from your dh has totally eclipsed my dh's efforts .

YABu (but just a little hence the small u). He has at least put SOME thought and effort in.

But I think I am swayed by it being The Proclaimers. My friend used to sleep in their beds! I may have replied just to tell you that

I think you are underestimating your friends!

Ask around, I bet you will find someone to go with you - its funny how guilty pleasure band plus twenty years usually equals a fantastic night tripping down memory lane.

G'on, ask someone!!!

DH got me a pair of wellies and a set of hubcaps once.

When questioned he said "Well, what do you get for the woman with two hubcaps? Four hubcaps."

Strikes me as the classic lazy present that is often so classically sorted by men. Not all men but enough of them to make it a bit of a gender ishoo.

I suspect that if you point out the downsides of having to walk fayve hundred miles to Hammersmith, on your tod, you'll get a flounce of the "Some people just don't recognise a thoughtful present..." variety. Which is true. Because it isn't a very thoughtful present.

I think that's a really nice present! In fact, it's even more of a present for you to have a smashing night out with a friend - it'll be a real laugh.

And since it's a present, HE has to book the babysitter, and HE has to pay for taxis for the overland section.