Would this upset you?

**moosmom** · 10-16-2006, 01:59 PM

Caseysmom is right, some men are just not programmed to think that far ahead.

At least he got you something, as late as it might be. It's not worth arguing over or staying mad at him for.

**Glacier** · 10-16-2006, 02:23 PM

If I expected Stuart to remember things like my birthday, I'd be choked. However, I got sick of being ticked off when he forgot. He has trouble even remembering what day it is, he is always off by a day or two. I can't remember the last time I got a card from him for any occasion!

So instead of getting mad at him, I take his Visa card (we don't have a joint card so the bill goes solely to him. I have my own card that I pay.) and buy myself whatever I want for my birthday and Christmas. Then I tell him about it later! I got a lovely ring for my b-day this year! His card has purchased my entire Kiefer Sutherland/24 DVD collection! It would be nice if he remembered, but it's never going to happen so this works out for both of us.

Stuart is a good husband in other ways--faithful, trustworthy, hardworking, ect, ect....The gift battle just didn't seem like one worth fighting about.

It sounds like you have bigger issues in your marriage than just that he messed up on your birthday. Maybe this was just the last straw that ticked you off??

**Karen** · 10-16-2006, 02:55 PM

Every guy is different. My birthday is impossible for Paul to miss, as it is the day after his mother's and my father's birthday, so we spend time prior to it discussing what to get them. And Paul is always more prepared for these things than I, too.

My dad? Dad is hopeless at these things. He remembers that my birthday is right next to his - just forgets which side it's on! And the rest of my siblings? Nah! If asked, he knows the month, and year - close enough, right? One year, for Christmas, his neighbor bought a calendar for him, then called me and wrote down all the birthdays of the family on the calendar for him. That was the one year he got everyone right! We know he loves us, that's what matters. Birthdays were always Ma's responsibility - and now we know why!

**Lady's Human** · 10-16-2006, 03:13 PM

The SOLE reason I remember Jen's birthday is that it's on July 5th. Otherwise I would either forever be in the doghouse, or she would learn to deal with it.

I get my siblings' birthdays wrong, I know the month, that's about it, and I can remember the kids' birthdays every once in a while. It's not neglect, it's not that I don't love them, it just is.

Don't sweat the small stuff, there are enough major problems that come with life. No need to create more.

**Vela** · 10-16-2006, 03:57 PM

Well really it's not his fault that the flowers were late, most people procrastinate gift buying so really that's not something to be offended about, he did put a card in your purse, and he did buy you some nice gifts when he was able to go get them. I think you should be grateful your husband does those things at all, most don't, and if he didn't drive before and that was okay with you, it's not something you can get mad about now. I know this may not be the popular thing to say, but I think it's nice he even remembered....many don't try at ALL.

**moosmom** · 10-16-2006, 04:15 PM

LH,

Don't sweat the small stuff, there are enough major problems that come with life. No need to create more.

AMEN brother!!!

**IRescue452** · 10-16-2006, 04:23 PM

He sent you flowers and remembered your birthday, to me that would be great. My mom used to forget my birthday when I was a kid. I'd cry myself to sleep thinking about how much my mom doesn't care about me. So anything to me is better than nothing.
But it sounds like your being upset is more because of a slump in your relationship than about the presents.

**mugsy** · 10-16-2006, 04:23 PM

Interestingly enough, I think that he was nice enough to get you some nice gifts, but, my husband thinks you have the right to be upset! lol

We have agreed that we don't buy gifts because we are strapped for money and I don't want to feel guilty about spending or receiving. My birthday is on Thursday of this week and Mike agreed to take a class with me, so that's my present and it will cost us $18. My thought is that I am happy just being able to spend time together with him and the dogs.

And like Lady's Human, I say, don't sweat the small stuff and while my husband can irritate the snot out of me, I have come to the conclusion that getting upset over "stupid" stuff just isn't worth it...and not worth fighting or putting my marriage in jeopardy.

And it is true that most men are not as sentimental as women. Although, Mike remembers the day we met...not just the first date....

**lizbud** · 10-16-2006, 04:38 PM

Well, I don't know your husband, but I do reject the idea that all men
are like that, so just deal with it.

I would be hurt if that were my husband. It's all of matter of consideration & knowing how much some things
mean to the person they love.They live together, they should know each
others feelings on what's important to their other half. Just my opinion.