I get your disappointment, OP. It's not about what you actually got but that it shows a lack of thought, a lack of consideration, of not being heard.
You may have seen my post about my experience. One Christmas season, my DH asked me if liked the book lights that were clipped to the lamp by my bed. I said "no". I explained my mother had given them to the kids who didn't use them, I didn't use them, didn't like to use one but didn't feel I could get rid of them so stuck them there. Guess what he got me for Christmas? A freakin book light. It would have been better to have gotten nothing. |
Yes, men who can't think about their wives likes and dislikes, and be thoughtful on their birthday. Or who expect to be told what to do like a child = losers. Sorry if your DH is one. Hit a nerve? |
Non one is asking you to deal. Scroll along if this is not for you. To some it is important that their DH puts some thought into their wives once in awhile. |
My husband can't get past the idea that I will only ever enjoy body products - oils, bath bombs, lotions, etc. I've developed some kind of chemical allergy - did the whole panel on the back allergy test - and I'm allergic to a lot of things in lotions so I just stick with the one I know is OK. I told him this. He still buys them, because he just can't fathom what else I might like. I have a lot of hobbies, how about one of those?? It's ridiculous.
However, I knew this when I married him. I've told this story here before too. When we were dating, we both talked about our separate times hiking Mt. St. Helens and how bizarre it felt to be there. (This was 20 years ago). He mentioned he bought his girlfriend earrings made out of the ash, but never got to give them to her because they broke up before her birthday. I mentioned at the time, well, might be a good thing. No one wants ash earrings, and they don't sound too pretty. You know where this going. Christmas rolls around and that was my present. They were as hideous as one would have thought by the way. |
I'm the book light poster. Our DH's must be related. |
Grow up. Or marry a mind-reader. |
|
This is me as well. |
Okay, I hope I don't get flamed for this, but is is possible, the conversation went like this, according to your DH DH: do you like those book lights? DW: No. My mom bought them for the kids and didn't use them. So I took them and tried them, but I don't like them either. They are too bright and actually a little heavy which makes it harder to read the book, especially as I get sleepy. DH thinks to himself "hmmm, what if I get her a book light with adjustable brightness, so its not too bright, and make sure its light enough so it doesnt make holding the book too heavy." Basically, assume good intent, ya know |
Book light recipient here. Not flaming you! Your scenario would be plausible if I read physical books. I pretty much only read on a Kindle - which I also noted. I explicitly stated that I didn't like them and wouldn't use it. DH has given me gifts that have missed the mark that I was fine with because I recognized he'd tried. Who hasn't missed the mark a time or two? The book light, though, was an example of another issue we have in our relationship - where DH doesn't listen to what I say: He may think I really don't mean what I said, he didn't really listen to what I said or he thinks he knows better than I do what I actually want. I don't expect him to be mind reader - I give him ideas of things I'd like...I don't understand it.... |
Perhaps you missed my earlier posts on how we had discussed possible gifts.... |
Ash earrings and book light ladies - ooof!
DH and I have gotten a lot better about discussing gift giving, etc. Perhaps that's why I was a little surprised that he seemed to have fallen back into old habits. Had a great BD dinner and lots of chuckles over the morning surprise. |
Sorry OP. I have a DH who is amazing in pretty much every way except he is a terrible gift giver. It’s fine, I’ve made my peace with it. But I understand where you are coming from. |
Happy birthday! Well, at least he was self deprecating about it. Hope the rest of the day/night is better.
DH is a sort great gift giver. He’s a spender and I’ve told him many times that I’m not a bauble type girl. I have to be careful what I say even when it’s not near near bday or holiday. Random chatting one time and I mentioned how much DS and his friend loved hanging out and hiding under a mature willow tree when they were 3 or 4. I said, I miss that willow tree, have never seen one as beautiful. Guess what’s in my front yard! That mofo is gigantic. Oh and don’t get me started on the piano. I guess this is what you kids would call his love language. |
I’m sorry, if this is an isolated incident (which I doubt) then perhaps he is just not a great gift giver and it can be overlooked or a discussion can be had. Otherwise I’d leave him, you deserve better and more thoughtful. |