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cr@p bday pressie

  • 12-10-2008 10:29pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    I might sound like an ingrate here but I have to take the risk just to see what others think. Basically, I've just celebrated a birthday this wkend, I guess its a milestone birthday.The thing is,I'm really disappointed with what my OH got me. Before you all jump all over me saying I'm shallow etc, hear me out!
    I owed him money for a weekend away we had awhile ago and he offered to waive it and let it be my present,then just get me a few small things on the day. I kind of felt that this took from the surprise or romance or whatever so i said no I'd rather pay him and let him go ahead with normal present buying.Nothing to do with money,I have to stress,I just felt the surprise had been taken from it.Anyway,he went and bought me something expensive and technological and frankly, the last thing I'd want.All I wanted was a bit of thought, which he's usually great at btw,he just seems to have got this completely wrong.And of course,I still have to pay him the money,which I wouldn't mind except I feel sort of cheated or something!I'd have much rathered he spend a third of the money on something more suitable.The bits and bobs he got to go with the pressie were much nicer and suitable. I feel like I'd like to let him return it and have him keep the money rather than waste it. But I think he'd be really put out.Its not even something he can get use out of!Should I just tell him or am I mean for thinking like this?


«1

Comments

  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    If you think he'd be really put out then don't tell him.

    As a matter of interest what is it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,610 ✭✭✭Karen_*


    Even after hearing you out I still think you sound ungrateful. Now you can't help how you feel and who's to say without knowing what the present is just how unthoughtful it is to give as a gift? But until further enlightened I'm going to go with...get over it. He normally gets you great things and everything else is rosy in your life that this is the biggest issue you have. Just suck it up.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    You remind me so much of women i encountered while working in a jewelry store.

    The guy would come in on his own, fretting over what to get, ending up getting something really expensive (sometimes thousands spent) and praying that the OH loved it.

    Next week they'd come in together because she didn't like it, most of the time he was a really nice guy and the woman was a complete bítch (i'm not calling you a bitch btw) who expected him to please her in every way.

    Moral of the story, your BF obviously spent a lot of money (which he didn't have to) on a present he thought you'd like. He also got you smaller presents (which you say were very nice). So, why not appreciate the sentiment and refrain from hurting his feelings, and in future drop hints on what you want?

    Materialism isn't an attractive trait.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,240 ✭✭✭hussey


    Jees louise,

    I wouldn't say anything, he hasn't done anything wrong, it is hard to think of what someone might want.

    Unfortunately he is not a mind reader, and you still complain

    not only does he get you "something expensive and technological" he also gets you a number of smaller things.

    if you really wanted something then ask for it, rather than complain about what you got.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,375 ✭✭✭kmick


    If it were me Id tell them you dont like it but you better be telling him what you do want instead if he asks and dont be saying "surprise me". Next time tell him want you want its easier. Also pay back the money already.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭bnagrrl


    One Christmas my b/f bought me a very expensive designer coat. I didn't like it and thought it would be a waste to leave hanging in the wardrobe. So i gently told him while I appreciated that he'd put a lot of thought into my gift and it really was a beautiful present I just didn't think I would ever get any use out of it and I thought it would be better to return it and get something else that I'd get more wear out of. I think he was a little disappointed but I reckon it's better than him realising I didn't like the coat by my never wearing it...

    I'd expect the same from him if I got him something he didn't like/want/need. I don't see anything wrong with this.

    If you can be tactful about it I think you should tell your OH you don't like the gift, but be nice about it, don't say it's crap.... :eek:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 216 ✭✭Carturo


    bnagrrl wrote: »
    One Christmas my b/f bought me a very expensive designer coat. I didn't like it and thought it would be a waste to leave hanging in the wardrobe. So i gently told him while I appreciated that he'd put a lot of thought into my gift and it really was a beautiful present I just didn't think I would ever get any use out of it and I thought it would be better to return it and get something else that I'd get more wear out of. I think he was a little disappointed but I reckon it's better than him realising I didn't like the coat by my never wearing it...

    I'd expect the same from him if I got him something he didn't like/want/need. I don't see anything wrong with this.

    If you can be tactful about it I think you should tell your OH you don't like the gift, but be nice about it, don't say it's crap.... :eek:

    Yeah of course there's nothing wrong with not liking a present. I'd be the same and tell her gently if I got something I didn't really like.

    OP just sounds like a spoiled brat though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,522 ✭✭✭Dr. Loon


    You sum up - in my mind - what's wrong with the world. Materialistic, ungrateful, selfish and the list goes on... unbelievable. I just watched Robbie Keane's wife on TV. Talking about flying their dog into Ireland in a helicopter. She was a complete twat. You seem like her.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,446 ✭✭✭miss_shadow


    its one of those underlying problems again, you mentioned owing him money, are you a little put out that you have to pay him back for that holiday..
    thought so


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,650 ✭✭✭cooperguy


    Dr. Loon wrote: »
    You sum up - in my mind - what's wrong with the world. Materialistic, ungrateful, selfish and the list goes on... unbelievable. I just watched Robbie Keane's wife on TV. Talking about flying their dog into Ireland in a helicopter. She was a complete twat. You seem like her.
    A bit harsh I think.

    OP sometimes people can miss the mark in buying presents. I find it very hard to choose good presents most of the time. In times like this I think the phrase "its the thought that counts" really does come into play. I think the main problem you have is that you dont like the fact that you still owe him the money and every time you see the present you see the money you still owe him (and may not have had to).

    If this techie thing is something you will never use then if you can subtle say it and return and replace with something else then do it because im sure he wouldnt want to have completely wasted his money.

    I also have to ask. What was it exactly?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,894 ✭✭✭Chinafoot


    "It's the thought that counts."

    It's clichéd but its true and to be honest OP you sound incredibly ungrateful. He spent a lot of money on this and obviously thought it would be something you'd like. You make it sound like he walked into a shop and blindly pointed at something and said "yeah, feck it, it'll do her."

    So it's not something you're mad about, big deal. It's a birthday and unless it's a pretty big milestone of a birthday, you should be thankful you got anything at all.

    As another poster said, suck it up. In future don't do the "oooh no, you'll ruin the surprise" and instead tell him what you want. God forbid you should have to suffer such a crippling dilemma again.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 888 ✭✭✭tdc


    ffs its not as if he bought it and said "shes gonna hate this!", he thought you would like it, thats why he got it. why you would even consider telling him you dont like it is beyond me. its just a birthday present, not as if youve paid for it or worked for it, you got it for nothing really. maybe i sound a bit harsh bit i just cant understand this type of thing - on my birthdays i dont ask for anything from anyone, just get what you get on the day and enjoy it, you got it for nothing


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 391 ✭✭Realtine


    Guys don't have a clue, they stumble blindly in the dark. Him mentioning the money before hand was his way of telling you he didn't have a clue what to do about your birthday pressie. Don't blame him. But I don't know what advice I can give you about the gift. Thing is with Christmas coming up you may end up with similar. Drop some very heavy hints.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 19,341 ✭✭✭✭Chucky the tree


    It seems like a crap birthday present for a crap girlfriend.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,131 ✭✭✭Curvy Vixen


    Look, guys in general don't tend to know what to get women for presents. And in fairness it's not always their fault.

    We like them to just 'know' what it is that we want and it generally ends up that they buy something really expensive that you maybe pointed out in a magazine or commented on from a TV ad (maybe trying to find out what they wanted in our roundabout way) and then they get it wrong.

    You say it was a milestone birthday and for a lot of guys 'milestone' equates with cost. You say he spent a lot of money on the gift. Men also like to buy women things that they think will help them in their lives. A diamond necklace is pretty but it can't call 999 at midnight like a brand new IPhone which double up as a handy diary and MP3 player!

    My hubby is lucky imo ;)...he is married a gadget queen. I got a very expensive Harmony Logitech Remote Control for my birthday. Every single woman I told looked at me like this :eek: and every man looked at me like this :D

    You say he spent a lot (so not tight then) and he also bought you bits and bobs that were spot on (thoughtful too then eh?) You also say that he normally gets it right. If you're really upset and won't use the present then you need to say it to him so that if nothing else he can get his money back (and if he has any sense he'll go get drunk on it).

    Or, you could take it in the manner that it was meant..with a big smile and a couple of comments about how handy it is....and if this upsets you so much then next time, tell him what you want!!

    I am also with the earlier poster though who pointed out that materialism is a terrible trait in a person.

    The nicest thing that my husband does for me every year is to make me an advent calender. He fills it up with lots of different things from chocolates to a USB fan (:o) but the fact that he has put some thought into it is what really matters.

    Your partner put thought into this gift...at least appreciate that part of it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,119 ✭✭✭Wagon


    Sorry love, but it sounds like your one of the many that say "suprise me" or "if you loved me then you'd know" when asked what they want for your birthday. You are materialistic. If you wearn't, you wouldn't be signing on to an internet forum and complaing and generally talking bollocks :) If it was a milestone birthday, then I asume your 21 or 18. Either way, a good time to stop acting 12 :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Typical male responses to this one....

    OP, in future you need to spell out what you want. Men claim they're not mind readers so take that as confimation that they do not hear hints.

    I like buying presents for people, I always put some thought into it. They don't have to be expensive, I just think of the person before I buy a present and never do the one-size-fits-all approach.

    But .. and I'm not remotely materialistic... I've been disappointed by presents in the past too.
    My best mate did what the OP's boyfriend did and said the few quid I owed her for a gig ticket would 'do' as my birthday present.
    TBH I'd rather she spent a quarter of that on something she actually bothered her ass to choose - a book, a CD, anything that involved a bit of thought.
    For my 30th she handed me a card with 30 quid in it. Personal touch? No.
    I'd rather she'd bought me a new lipstick or a few cocktails!

    My OH gave me scratchy red lingerie for our first Christmas together. I almost hit him over the head with it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭RossFixxxed


    God almighty, it can be very difficult and stressful finding a good present for your OH. The fact he also got small things shows he put a lot of thought in. Stop being such a spoilt little brat and cop on. The guy deserves better for his efforts. What the hell do you want, a ferarri or something?

    The holiday offer is nice too and may be a way of saying I'm not sure what to get but this could be romantic and a present from me. Get over yourself.

    Perhaps when you started dating he should have advised you of his handicap: Not having psychic powers.

    R


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,125 ✭✭✭lee_arama


    Socks, I always ask for socks at Christmas. I like socks, they keep my feet warm and dry. Having many of them means that I never have to panic over forgetting a wash either.

    The fact that my OH knows this indicates that I have told her on many ocassions that I want socks, nothing else for Christmas.

    For birthdays I ask for a concert ticket. Nazareth last year, Judas Priest this year.

    Why can't women say what they want? Is there a reason for not doing so? If you expect men to know exactly what you want without offering up reasonable information (and throwaway comments while ads are on don't count) then can we have your votes and equal rights back please?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 31 BAM!


    OP if you don't think you're boyfriend will be upset (and only if he won't be because it sounds like he's quite lovely and thoughtful) then gently explain that while you appreciate his present, you don't think you will have any use for it. Under no circumstances should you phrase what you say the same way you phrased this post because it does make you sound incredibly ungrateful and materialistic. I wouldn't care what my boyfriend got me being honest, it is really the thought that counts where I'm concerned. Ye were on a romantic break together, he got you a really expensive gift and some nice small gifts- I wouldn't have any problem with this (I'd be quite chuffed actually) but if you feel like it's going to be a big issue for you then gently say something. If he gets offended then you've only yourself to blame really. Beware though, like many posters here he may start to feel that you're ungrateful and materialistic.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 183 ✭✭JDLK


    I once got a bathroom mat from a GF (ex) as a Christmas present- no kidding a bathroom mat- you know the fluffy white ones....for Christmas!!!

    I thought it was a joke but it turns out she bought it cos she didnt want to stand on my cold bathroom floor when she had a shower- so she effectively bought it for herself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Be gratefull he got you something I haven't gotten anything in 2 years


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,164 ✭✭✭✭astrofool


    If a woman is going to ask for a "surprise" for their birthday/christmas/whatever, then be prepared to be disappointed at what the present is. Do not think worse of the man, who may, in the future, get something surprise worthy for you, but jeez, you're stacking the odds against a decent present, and being ungrateful in accepting it paints you as a class A b*tch.

    Even more so that you feel that you are even more disappointed because you could have got off the money you owed him anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,610 ✭✭✭Karen_*


    Well we're not all perfect people who think and behave the way we should so therefore if this is something that's really bothering the OP then its bothering her. Whether for right or for wrong. Yes, I got nothing for my birthday and I'd other things on my mind so I didn't start a thread but everything is relative to each individual.

    OP I think most of us have bigger things on our mind so are struggling to understand your issue. But we're not you. And again I say you have to suck it up. Too bad you're upset but he certainly didn't intend you to be in fact he was trying to please you. And you did very well out it in fairness. I think you're nit picking and when you do that then life will throw a bigger thing in your face, something to really get upset about. I'd love to have your problems - and probably that present too.:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭missmatty


    With my last ex I had to go out and buy my own birthday present and tell him how much it was when i got back, and he gave me the money :pac: Still have it and still love it (and i'm not materialistic, it was only twenty quid).


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    You were far too soft on that boy missmatty. The whole point is the thought and effort.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 401 ✭✭Dwn Wth Vwls


    This thread is very strange to me. What happened to honesty? If you can't be honest about whether you like something to your OH what sort of relationship do you have? If they think you like something that you don't, it's just going to confuse them even more the next time they buy a present. Just because something was expensive you should suck it up and say you love it when you hate it? That's ridiculous, dishonest and a complete waste of money. "Love me, love my presents" is just an ego trip.

    It sounds to me like he didn't know what sort of expensive present to get you, and was hoping to stick to just the small presents which he obviously had no problem with. When you asked for a surprise instead he hadn't a clue so just bought something by the price tag. I think you should talk to him about it and maybe you'll have to accept that 100% surprises won't work for you.


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 11,106 Mod ✭✭✭✭Fysh


    It sounds like you should just sit down with your boyfriend and talk to him about this, rather than going on the internet to try and get justification/support from Interweb Strangers and sounding like someone on Sweet 16 along the way.

    If you don't like your present, find a tactful way of explaining this. Your OH will hopefully understand, although probably with the caveat that in future you actually give him a reasonable indication of what you'd like rather than expecting him to be psychic.

    On a longer term, I would suggest making an effort to change your view of birthdays and presents, not because it's wrong but because expecting someone to get you several awesome presents without having told them what you'd like is just setting yourself up for disappointment. The kind materialism involved is an unattractive and childish trait for any adult to have.

    (TBH I don't understand this "problem" at all; ever since I started working full-time I've been delighted at having my own money so most things that I want, I buy for myself. I suspect most adults with full-time jobs are bloody hard to buy surprise presents for, but then again I suspect most of them have also come to terms with this...)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Well thank you for the opinions but I can't help wondering if most of you bothered reading my post in the first place. The present is useless to me and therefore a waste of my boyfriend's money. I clearly stated I would rather he kept the money for himself, rather than ask me every six months have I used it. I can't say what it is because its so specfic someone I know would be bound to recognise me and I don't want it to get back to him. But if you can imagine having a hobby or something you really enjoy doing and someone coming along and getting you something techno that makes the whole process "easier",therefore taking the fun out of it. I'm not lying awake worrying about this, I suppose I could list off my "real" problems if that would somehow validate this for those of you who implied I'd nothing else to worry about. Jenay seems to be the only one who got it, I'd have been happy with the small presents on their own and nothing "big". I was really just looking for opinions on whether I should leave him to waste his money.I don't want a replacement or anything like that.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    ...imagine having a hobby or something you really enjoy doing and someone coming along and getting you something techno that makes the whole process "easier".

    I'm imagining something, but I'm probably wrong :-)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,711 ✭✭✭Hrududu


    But if you can imagine having a hobby or something you really enjoy doing and someone coming along and getting you something techno that makes the whole process "easier",therefore taking the fun out of it.
    Is it that teasmaid thing Fr Ted got for Mrs Doyle? It actually sounds pretty thoughtful that he got something that is related to something you enjoy. I get the impression though that if he really had just gotten you the small presents and nothing big that you would be in here complaining about that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,949 ✭✭✭A Primal Nut


    But if you can imagine having a hobby or something you really enjoy doing and someone coming along and getting you something techno that makes the whole process "easier",therefore taking the fun out of it.

    Haha, you remind me of Ms. Doyle after she receives Teamaster 2000 from Ted;

    "I love the whole tea-making thing. "I love the misery of making the tea"

    <no you tube links allowed>

    Seriously, what you just said is a reasonable explanation; tell him that it ruins the fun of the hobby, like Ms. Doyle making the tea.

    Understand that PI issues are generally more serious than this (involving cheating, breakups, etc.) which is why so few people are taking you seriously.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,446 ✭✭✭miss_shadow


    Well thank you for the opinions but I can't help wondering if most of you bothered reading my post in the first place. The present is useless to me and therefore a waste of my boyfriend's money. I clearly stated I would rather he kept the money for himself, rather than ask me every six months have I used it. I can't say what it is because its so specfic someone I know would be bound to recognise me and I don't want it to get back to him. But if you can imagine having a hobby or something you really enjoy doing and someone coming along and getting you something techno that makes the whole process "easier",therefore taking the fun out of it. I'm not lying awake worrying about this, I suppose I could list off my "real" problems if that would somehow validate this for those of you who implied I'd nothing else to worry about. Jenay seems to be the only one who got it, I'd have been happy with the small presents on their own and nothing "big". I was really just looking for opinions on whether I should leave him to waste his money.I don't want a replacement or anything like that.

    umm tbh i find it highly rude and pointless in expecting a present,i certainly don't as i think its also cheeky.
    then to moan about how useless it is even worse and then to reply with the above just goes to show what kind of idiot you appear to be,
    if it isn't an issue or problem then why post it here, just tell your poor boyfriend and sell it on ebay and then you can hopefully buy - the dummys guide to 'get real'


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,610 ✭✭✭Karen_*


    Well thank you for the opinions but I can't help wondering if most of you bothered reading my post in the first place. The present is useless to me and therefore a waste of my boyfriend's money. I clearly stated I would rather he kept the money for himself, rather than ask me every six months have I used it. I can't say what it is because its so specfic someone I know would be bound to recognise me and I don't want it to get back to him. But if you can imagine having a hobby or something you really enjoy doing and someone coming along and getting you something techno that makes the whole process "easier",therefore taking the fun out of it.

    Well if you'd bothered to state in your first post that his gift would ruin a hobby then you might have gotten a different response OP. Because not only did people bother to read your post they also bothered to reply.

    I'm not lying awake worrying about this, I suppose I could list off my "real" problems if that would somehow validate this for those of you who implied I'd nothing else to worry about. .


    Silly us for thinking that you were posting your biggest concern in personal issues and not the most trivial thing in your life. Think you need to spell things out for us in the future OP, we're obviously too stupid for you.


  • Posts: 50,630 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The nicest thing that my husband does for me every year is to make me an advent calender. He fills it up with lots of different things from chocolates to a USB fan (:o) but the fact that he has put some thought into it is what really matters..

    Aw, if you get bored with him, i'll happily swap :D


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 470 ✭✭Craft25


    did you know that most men can read minds.. we just pull this sh*t to push your buttons.. works every time

    if you want you're fella to be thoughtful more often, then make a point of appreciating the times that he is.. if you want something for a pressie, ask for it... thoughtfulness should be spontanaeous, not on an assigned day every year


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,184 ✭✭✭neuro-praxis


    JDLK wrote: »
    I once got a bathroom mat from a GF (ex) as a Christmas present- no kidding a bathroom mat- you know the fluffy white ones....for Christmas!!!

    I thought it was a joke but it turns out she bought it cos she didnt want to stand on my cold bathroom floor when she had a shower- so she effectively bought it for herself.

    :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Sorry, I think the title I gave the post was my first mistake. But that was just to give it a name at all, I can see how it sounds shallow and spoilt. I'm really not though and I know my boyfriend doesn't think I am. I understand also, that alot of the issues on here are extremely serious however, I've also seen less serious ones, the likes of "I'm too gorgeous to get a boyfriend" or "where's good to go on a date". I didn't think there was grading of how serious the issue was. Bottom line is, I don't want him to have wasted his hard earned money on something that was expensive but won't be used.I would genuinely rather he spent it on himself. But because in his eyes, he bought me this great,expensive present for my milestone bday, I just didn't know whether or not it would be ok to tell him to take it back and thus hurt his feelings. Not wanting to hurt boyfriend's feelings must qualify as a P.I of some sort? Anyway, thanks for reading and replying.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,610 ✭✭✭Karen_*


    I think your whole first post just got totally misunderstood and wasn't explained properly. I can see how its going to be awkward not using his present and him wondering why. And yet you can't use it because its defeating the purpose of this hobby you have. Just tell him in the nicest possible way. I'm sure he doesn't want you upset over the whole thing. I think I'd rather be told than for someone to be fretting over it.

    And yes there are some ridiculous PI's posted but that tends to be pointed out to the OP. Its just that yours was misunderstood and treated as it was interpreted the same way if I posted 'my aunt gave me a tea cosy and I hate it' it wouldn't be received too well. The actual situation with you a way different to how it first comes across.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,682 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    Sounds like the only solution is to talk to him about it. If it was me, I would be delighted if girl would explain how appreciative they are of the pressie but honestly don't want money wasted as he will probbably repeat it again! Honesty OP is the best policy


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,580 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Dr. Loon wrote: »
    You sum up - in my mind - what's wrong with the world. Materialistic, ungrateful, selfish and the list goes on... unbelievable. I just watched Robbie Keane's wife on TV. Talking about flying their dog into Ireland in a helicopter. She was a complete twat. You seem like her.
    Thats a little bit too harsh.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 11,221 ✭✭✭✭m5ex9oqjawdg2i


    A little too harsh, but the OP needs a slight wake up call...

    Next year tell your OH, lots of time in advance, what you want or what you would like for your birthday. Doesn't have to be specific but dropping more obvious hints would be good.

    Take the present, like it or not, and be bloody greatful for it. I really don't like how you say "I feel like I have been cheated" if that is how you really and truly feel then I feel sorry for your OH. I had a girlfriend just like you once (when it comes to presents and the likes) I feel relieved that I do not have to deal with her ungreatfulness anymore :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,446 ✭✭✭miss_shadow


    but like,umm if you tell your boyfriend what you want and all that, you might as well just go out and buy the bloody thing you asked for. whats the point of a gift if its asked for


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 522 ✭✭✭Sugar Drunk


    from the gist of this he got you something that automates a hobby? poor guy he probably thought he had nailed it. If my BF had a hobby I would probably assume that anything that helped/automated it would be a good gift - is there no way you can just use it a few times ?

    Its up to you but telling him you don't like it is unneccessary and will probably deter him from buying a surprise gift again.

    with presents you have to make a choice - either ask for what you want and lose teh element of surprise or tell him to surprise you and be happy with what you get. usually my BF refuses to buy me anything unless I specifically ask for it (often makes me buy it myself and he pays for it!) because he is always worried about getting it wrong. This year he is surprising me for my birthday. I wont care what he gets me I will just be thrilled that he went and picked something and thought about it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,663 ✭✭✭evil-monkey


    OP, not cool, not cool at all. i always tell my g/f what to get me so i know i'll like it. i ask what she wants to spend, and say, "hey, i was actually looking at this the other day"

    if ya want a surprise, you must be prepared to be surprised!! the poor fella might have thought you'd like it.

    either way you do sound very ungrateful...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,256 ✭✭✭metaoblivia


    OP, I do empathize with you to an extent. For my birthday, a few months ago, my mother bought me a terribly expensive electronic thing that I had no use for. The difference was, prior to buying the present, we had discussed what I wanted for my birthday. I gave her a list of some small things I would like, she suggested that electronic thing, and I told her that was a nice thought, but I had no use for something like that, didn't want it and would rather just have one of the small things on my list.
    She got me the electronic thing. I was very upset, not because of the present itself per say, but because of what it represented - she didn't listen to me. She may have well not even asked what I wanted for my birthday.
    So I know what it's like to be disappointed by a gift, and I also know what it's like to feel like crap because disliking a gift is usually seen as ungrateful.
    I would politely tell your b/f how you feel about the gift. I did so with my mother (although not politely) and we eventually worked it out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    OP, get over it. I'm sorry to say it, but your attitude is typical of your generation who are influenced by the Celtic Tiger. A bit of Recession might bring you to your senses.
    For my birthday every year, my wonderful adorable husband gives me a birthday card for my birthday. I always tell him not to bother going to the trouble of buying me a present, just a card to show he remembered is enough for me. He is a good listener, he helps with the housework and is great with the children - that is worth far more to me than him going to a lot of trouble trying to find a present. OP, if he's a good boyfriend, appreciate him for what he is. If not, then dump him and get a new one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    I think that you're getting a lot of stick from some posters here.

    You don't have to be spoiled to not like a gift, or to feel as if the purchaser just didn't get it. Don't feel bad for not liking the gift.

    However, it's how you conduct yourself afterwards that really determines who you are. If you stamp your feet and shout, then I've no sympathy. Carry your disappointment with dignity when dealing with your boyfriend.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8 playbunnyplay


    i got a hair straighteners once for our anniversary.... i wasnt too impressed i can tell you i thought he didnt put enough thought into it. when i told him i wasnt too happy it really hurt his feelings and when i thought about it later i realised that he had put a lot of thought into it and hadnt a lot of money at the time he tired to get me what he thought i really needed. he returned the item and i got F**k all for being a B***H. moral of the story dont look a gift horse in the mouth.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,007 ✭✭✭pretty-in-pink


    OP- If you really think you will never use it, then talk to him, explaining that while it is related to your hobby, part of the fun for you is doing it all by hand. It sounds like he actually knows you pretty well, and thats great.

    If you think you can get some use from the gift, then try, whats the worst that could happen? This is a hard question to answer without knowing what the device in question is. I can't think of any of my hobbies that could fail to be imporved by the aid of a gadget, but thats just me, and not everyone likes to skip out the harder steps if they can.


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