A few exceptions to "useful" items: A nice stand up mixer, an espresso (or keurig) machine. The important thing is not to suggest that household chores (which she does because she had to) define her or fall into her interests.

Anonymous wrote:Why are women never grateful?

Anonymous wrote:Why are women never grateful?

[+1 x approximately 3 billion for every other man alive] minus the pussies out there sucking up to their domineering DWs

Anonymous wrote:It's really not that hard. Buy your wife something that you would have a problem with any other man buying for her. Would you have a problem with her male co-worker buying her earrings? A book of love poetry? A necklace?

Never buy her anything that is practical (car floor mats) or domestic (a vacuum cleaner).

No more excuses.

such a load of baloney. women are rarely ever clear about what they really want and are horrible at communicating what they really think (look at the extraordinary number of posts about this on the relationship threads. but if you want to hold to this line of argument, then the only reasonable response I can give is that we suck at buying gifts because you simply don't suck, at all. talk about not have a clue!

Why do you think your gifts are the bomb? 99% of the stuff I get, I have no use for.

Anonymous wrote:Oh please. It's simply not that difficult. For most women, you need not give diamonds to have given a successful gift. Put a little thought into it and leave the practicality out of it. Do you not know your wife or her likes/dislikes? Do you not listen when she notices something in a store that she likes? ASK her for ideas, then.

As for the "why are women not grateful?" poster. Because many men lose their ability to buy thoughtful gifts when they get married. My DH was so thoughtful with gifts before we got married -and nothing expensive mind you- but as soon as we got married it evaporated. You're darn right it pissed me off, especially when I put such thought into his gifts. We had a come to Jesus talk about expectations on both sides. He gets it, I get it, and we're both happier that way. Maybe instead of bitching, you can talk to your wife.

Your poor husband

Anonymous wrote:DW here. I suck at buying gifts and my DH is awesome at it. Every year is a surprise and spot on. I've never even considered returning anything he's given me. I on the other hand suck at it big time.

This is me as well. I have a very hard time getting him something that he will like that isn't lame. It's not for lack of trying, some people ARE difficult to buy for.

OP (and 13:33, if you're not the same person) - why, when your husband disappoints you yet again, do you assume that it is a failing with the male gender, and not with the particular member of that gender to whom you decided to hitch your wagon? Are you just incapable of believign that YOUR husband is a d-bag because it reflects poorly on you? Is it that you don't want to admit that your husband care enough about you to make the effort, and it's more comforting to believe that it is a flaw specific to the Y chromosome?

DW here. I suck at buying gifts and my DH is awesome at it. Every year is a surprise and spot on. I've never even considered returning anything he's given me. I on the other hand suck at it big time.

Oh please. It's simply not that difficult. For most women, you need not give diamonds to have given a successful gift. Put a little thought into it and leave the practicality out of it. Do you not know your wife or her likes/dislikes? Do you not listen when she notices something in a store that she likes? ASK her for ideas, then.

As for the "why are women not grateful?" poster. Because many men lose their ability to buy thoughtful gifts when they get married. My DH was so thoughtful with gifts before we got married -and nothing expensive mind you- but as soon as we got married it evaporated. You're darn right it pissed me off, especially when I put such thought into his gifts. We had a come to Jesus talk about expectations on both sides. He gets it, I get it, and we're both happier that way. Maybe instead of bitching, you can talk to your wife.

Women generally do not want appliances of any kind - unless they know they are being extravagant, of course.

I know women who expect way more than what is practical - "a champagne taste and a beer budget!"

DH has no idea what to buy because his father was an a&&hole and refused to put any thought into his mum, never mind a gift! DH had rotten examples of how to treat others growing up, in general.

Sometimes it is worth it to simply send a link of what you want, give DH a list (not expecting everything on the list, of course, as you would be defeating yourself there).

Try not to be so demanding, ladies.

I know women who have demanded diamond this or that and CLEARLY their DH was in absolutely NO position for that kind of debt.

Be realistic, and you won't be disappointed.

Save up your own pennies if you want something that bad and absolutely "have" to have this or that (instead of better spending that money, as you should be).

Are you SURE she doesn't want more silver? And I wouldn't put a laptop in the practical category unless your wife only uses it for work and not for entertainment/photos. How about a nice new digital SLR? A vacation for the 2 of you to someplace warm or just away? A spa day? A gorgeous new handbag?

Why are women never grateful?

Allow me to try to answer this.

1) I cannot buy you clothing. I know your size, but I'm not really up on how retailers do vanity sizing these days, so I fear that I'll invariably get you something that makes you think I think you're fat (you're not and I don't), so there's simply no way to win in this area.

2) You developed an allergy to gold, and have more silver than you know what to do with. Besides, earrings are sort of go-to gifts from the kids. Besides, I've already given you diamond studs in the past. But, generally, it's getting harder to find decent jewelry. I do look, however, especially when I travel for work -- i'll go to the local markets. I just can never find the right thing.

3) You really wouldn't appreciate a book of "love" poetry. We don't do sappy symbolism in our house anyway. What I really want to give you is a new Apple Macbook to replace your failing laptop, and that would be a stretch financially, but you just said don't buy anything practical, so I guess that's out.

4) Along those lines, gadgets are out. You spend too much damn time looking at screens anyway as it is.

5) I'd get you lessons or something but you always go once or twice and stop going, so it's a waste of money.

So, look, this isn't as easy as you suggest. And I'm trying. How about you cut me some slack? Or just, I don't know, tell me what you want rather than play some game where I'm supposed to guess and be right?

It's really not that hard. Buy your wife something that you would have a problem with any other man buying for her. Would you have a problem with her male co-worker buying her earrings? A book of love poetry? A necklace?

Never buy her anything that is practical (car floor mats) or domestic (a vacuum cleaner).

No more excuses.