Anonymous wrote:OP, if you're still reading, I'm just sorry that you had to endure these attacks by other posters. I'm not sure why they feel the need to be so mean to someone who is feeling rotten already, but you know of course that they must have some emotional problems that would make them get pleasure out of being vicious to a stranger -- it has nothing to do with you. I'm sorry your birthday was not all you wanted it to be -- it feels bad. I've already posted my advice previously but I just wanted to tell you to ignore the mean women posting on this board.

I agree with you, why do people get so mean? Anyway, OP I feel for you too. A lot of Men (not all) just don't understand the thought counts for us and means a lot. Do you think maybe the kids picked those gifts out? Maybe they did, and didn't realize they were not the greatest gifts? At least that part would be kind of cute. You shouldn't have to make your own cake, etc... though. Maybe next year you can all go out to dinner or something. I have to help my husband too. One year I picked my own gift because I knew what I wanted (a certain ring) and knew he wouldn't want to shop around for it. He was annoyed (which I originally didn't know because I had discussed with him I ring I found, and we decided to pick it up together), but honestly, it helped him to make an effort for the next holiday and he did pick something I was hoping for and had to take care of setting it up which was the nice part, because of the effort. I guess many men just don't get it, and can't because they are different than us. Sorry