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Birthday present disappointment.

(58 Posts)
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eazybee Sat 05-Jul-25 05:50:56

I think it was a thoughtful present and a surprise, and will give you far more lasting pleasure than a box of chocolates.

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Jane43 Sat 05-Jul-25 05:41:20

What a wonderful, thoughtful birthday present Gymstagram

I have to say I am shocked that Shortbreadandkilts’ partner even expected to be paid for doing her gardening job. Call me old fashioned but partners should do things for each other without expecting payment.

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Gymstagran Sat 05-Jul-25 05:22:59

When I was asked by my son, what I wanted for my birthday I said plants for the garden. So he , his wife and children took me out for breakfast then onto a garden centre where he bought the plants I wanted. They all came back to my house, helped me put the plants in, did weeding and cutting back. Then my daughter in law cooked for us all. It was one of the best birthdays I have had. They did buy me some small gifts too.

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windmill1 Sat 05-Jul-25 04:15:46

Nope, sorry, I just cannot agree with some other replies. He sounds exactly the type who would give his partner something "nice and useful to help with the housework, dear".........

My father redularly did it: one year a pressure cooker, another year an upright vacuum cleaner, etc.

But the year he gave her a half-moon rug "that'll look nice in front of the gas fire" it was a wonder the roof didn't blow off the house.

Pleased to say that Dad learned his lesson in time for the next year.

If your partner could have run to even a small box of Lindt choccies, it would have saved his soul........

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rafichagran Sat 05-Jul-25 03:25:41

I am with the posters above. I would have bitten his hand off too.

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OldFrill Sat 05-Jul-25 03:22:32

Given he's saved you a few hundred pounds why don't you go out with him to buy yourself something you'd like for yourself. Win win l reckon.

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Whitewavemark2 Sat 05-Jul-25 02:27:36

Blimey! I would have bitten his hand off. I think it was a thoughtful and kind and expensive! Gift.

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Shortbreadandkilts Sat 05-Jul-25 01:12:21

My garden was overgrown with lots of weeding needing doing and some trees cut down and back. I was given quotes by gardeners and the cost was more than I could afford. I mentioned it to my partner (we don’t live together) and he said he would do it for less. He did it, did a great job and it took the best part of a week. I asked him how much he wanted for the job and he said hang fire for the time being and pay him later. I was fully prepared to pay him. A couple of weeks later it was my birthday and I got a card from him and inside it said I had already had my present, it was the gardening. I know rationally that it was a very practical present and it saved me forking out a few hundred pounds on a gardener. However I felt really disappointed that he hadn’t got me a physical present, it spoilt my birthday although I didn’t show this. I know my disappointment is selfish and childish but I can’t help feeling it. I’m not a materialistic person and I don’t expect or want expensive or lavish gifts but I would have much preferred a small inexpensive gift. If he had asked me before hand would I rather have the garden done or a small present I would have definitely said the latter. Would others if given the choice have gone for the gardening which saved me a few hundred pounds or a less expensive but personal gift chosen by him for me?

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