Hey gang, I'm hoping I could get some perspective on a problem I had today, especially from people with no emotional investment in keeping me happy.
First, to preface, I live with my Ex and we are still great friends. We're a bit of an odd couple with him being mr organized and me being a little more absent minded.
Well, my birthday is coming up, and he asked me what I wanted, and I suggested my cologne which was running out - probably in part becuase we both use it. While we were out today, we passed the one shop in the city that sells it, so we decided to pop in. Becuase of the price ($130/bottle) I offered to pay half of it, but he wouldn't hear of it.
So, we get to the car, he gives me the gift bag, and he start complaining about how much it cost. Then, he starts comparing it to what I gave him for his last birthday, which, becuase I was between contracts and financially tight at the time, wasn't up to our usual $100 par. Then I heard about how I'm not very good with money becuase when I was between contracts I was sometimes broke.
At this point my Catholic guilt complex cuts in and I'm trying not to quiver my lip while trying to blink the tears out of my eyes so I don't crash while driving.
When I say that I'd prefer to pay him back for the cologne and suggest we put a $20 limit on future gifts so that they can be about the thought, not the loot, he tells me I'm overreacting and I'm a whiny crybaby.
Am I overreacting? Or was he being insensitive and rude? I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Maybe its just me, but what's the point in a gift if it's all about the cost? This experienced has kind of spoiled my birthday for me, and every time I look at that damn cologne it's going to bring it back. :frown1:
First, to preface, I live with my Ex and we are still great friends. We're a bit of an odd couple with him being mr organized and me being a little more absent minded.
Well, my birthday is coming up, and he asked me what I wanted, and I suggested my cologne which was running out - probably in part becuase we both use it. While we were out today, we passed the one shop in the city that sells it, so we decided to pop in. Becuase of the price ($130/bottle) I offered to pay half of it, but he wouldn't hear of it.
So, we get to the car, he gives me the gift bag, and he start complaining about how much it cost. Then, he starts comparing it to what I gave him for his last birthday, which, becuase I was between contracts and financially tight at the time, wasn't up to our usual $100 par. Then I heard about how I'm not very good with money becuase when I was between contracts I was sometimes broke.
At this point my Catholic guilt complex cuts in and I'm trying not to quiver my lip while trying to blink the tears out of my eyes so I don't crash while driving.
When I say that I'd prefer to pay him back for the cologne and suggest we put a $20 limit on future gifts so that they can be about the thought, not the loot, he tells me I'm overreacting and I'm a whiny crybaby.
Am I overreacting? Or was he being insensitive and rude? I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Maybe its just me, but what's the point in a gift if it's all about the cost? This experienced has kind of spoiled my birthday for me, and every time I look at that damn cologne it's going to bring it back. :frown1: