Cheapskate Husband Lowers His Wife's Expectations Over the Years Until His Stepson "Embarrassed" Him When He Gifted His Mom Something Special for Her Birthday

Receiving gifts is one of life's many pleasures. No matter what age you are, receiving a present will always bring a smile to your face.

One of OP's (original poster) love languages is receiving gifts. She is a sentimental person who appreciates a thoughtful gift from a loved one, while her husband is a "practical gift giver."

OP married her husband, Jeremy, nine years ago. Her son Chris was eight years old at that time, and he is now 17.

Chris's and Jeremy's relationship is as good as OP had hoped. They have a strong bond most of the time, except in this specific instance.

OP's birthday was fast approaching, yet she was not that excited about it. Her expectations for this year's celebrations were not high, given her husband's poor history with gift-giving.

Jeremy said he has a difficult time figuring out thoughtful gifts for people. He does not want to waste money on things the other person couldn't use.

For example, Jeremy's past gifts for OP were things she could use every day. Even when OP specifically asked to be gifted something sentimental, Jeremy still couldn't get it right.

OP has given up asking for anything because of that. She says it doesn't bother her anymore, but from time to time, it does come up.

OP's son Chris graduated a year early and plans to go to college next year

He is currently working two jobs despite OP asking him to relax a little and enjoy his teenage years. OP said he will be an adult soon enough anyway, but Chris says he enjoys working.

Chris works at a mechanic shop and a junkyard where most of his friends work as well. Chris got home the other night with his friends following behind him.

He spoke to OP and said, "I know it's not for two more weeks [OP's birthday], but I can't wait for you to open this, so please open it now."

The four teenage boys were snickering with each other, making OP think this was a gag gift. She opened the gift and was pleasantly surprised to see a big and beautiful wall decoration that has picture frames and shelves built into it.

OP's husband saw the gift and immediately asked how much it cost Chris. He also said the money could have gone to a Roth IRA instead.

Chris's ears perked up, and he stared at Jeremy. He then said, "It's truly none of your business what I do with my money, and since you outright refuse to buy my mother nice things that she absolutely deserves, I will make sure she gets something nice."

For the kicker, Chris also revealed the gift didn't cost him anything, as he and his friends made it themselves. Jeremy stopped talking and looked at OP as if waiting for her to defend him.

OP didn't say anything, so Jeremy shook his head and walked away. After Chris and his friends left, Jeremy complained that OP allowed Chris to embarrass him in front of other people and that she should have spoken up when he did.

Professional_Art3411

OP disagreed and said she thinks Chris was right. Is OP the a**hole for not defending her husband? Read the full post below:

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Jeremy only has himself to blame for being embarrassed, says this redditor

body_by_art

Chris sounds like an amazing son, and OP should focus on that

marie_moreno

That was a very wholesome part of the story

panda174-

Chris and his friends worked so hard to give his mom a very thoughtful gift

picklepowerPB

They were so adorable, giggling with each other and getting giddy about her reaction

Wynfleue

Even when OP specifically asks for the gifts she wants, Jeremy still manages to drop the ball

Scumbucket22

His frugality is becoming extreme. It has come to a point where he seems to be prioritizing it over anything, even his wife.

Kiruna235

He was embarrassed about the wrong thing

BrownSugarBare

I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all frustrated on behalf of OP

CauliflowerKlutzy189

That phrase only applies when you put actual thought into your gifts

cadmium2093

That's what Jeremy should be worrying about instead of saving face

cadmium2093

If Jeremy doesn't get his act together, he will soon find himself gifting nothing to nobody

Only-Reality-7550

Birthdays only come once a year, and the least Jeremy could have done was take OP to a nice restaurant and spend time with her. Instead, he spent years trying to lower her expectations of him until she doesn't expect anything from him at all.

He only got mad when he saw how happy she was when she received Chris's very thoughtful gift. Her reaction meant his years of lowering her expectations did not work, and no matter what "practical" gift he gives her, OP will not react the same way.