If a friend acted like they hated the gifts you bought them...

[DisneyLovingMama]

would you be upset that your friend didn't like them (and thus had a bad birthday), or that the friend outwardly showed they didn't like them?

 

[beckmrk04]

I would be upset that she acted like it was a bad birthday- but that would be one selfish and immature friend!!

I always tell people when I get them a gift, if you don't like it- no hard feelings (and I MEAN it!!). I will give them a gift receipt and they can take it back, or I give gift cards. But I can't imagine anyone acting so snotty unless something else was bugging them.

 

[mrsv98]

My father's wife did this several times, openly scornful of gifts I put an effort into buying. So guess what? She doesn't get presents from us anymore! Problem solved.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I'd be hurt and pissed all at once. A person who doesn't appreciate the fact that someone went through the trouble of selecting and giving a gift doesn't deserve sympathy for a bad birthday, IMHO.

 

[T1130]

My mother in law is like that. No matter what you buy her she does not like it and will tell you so. When my dd was three she gave her a Christmas present my mil said to my dd "Do you really think I will use this." That was the last straw and last present she ever got.

 

[shortbun]

I'd start giving money IF I felt I HAD to give a gift. Otherwise, I'd stop giving the gift and just send a card or take her to lunch.

 

[ilovepcot]

What's just as bad (or hurtful) is when you give birthday gifts and are *never* acknowledged in any way for them. This has happened every year since the births of DH's 2 granddaughters. Every year I'm asked by DH to write out checks for them and be sure they reach the girls before their birthdays. We never hear a word so I've started asking them, "Did you get the check we sent for your birthday"? They usually mutter, "Oh yeah, thanks" with the enthusiasm of a rock! And what's really bad...the checks are BIG!!!! I told DH several years ago to just try mailing a nice card with no check and see what happens. I can't help but be curious as to whether they'd phone asking *where* their money was! DH says he isn't sending the gifts of money to be "thanked" but truly loves the girls and wants to remember them on their special day whether he's remembered by them or not. My DH is a *prince* of a guy and *always* does the right thing regardless of what happens around him. Wish I could be so good!