AITAH for not doing enough on my wife’s birthday?
I (40+M) thought I made it a pretty good day for my wife’s (40+F) birthday, but instead she thinks I’m the ass.
Started with telling the two under 10 yo kids to let her sleep in, which they did. They also on their own did a few decorations on our door. When we were both awake, I rolled over, put my arm around her, gave her an innocent kiss, and told her happy birthday.
Next I made her (and everyone else) eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, and toast for breakfast. Served hers with Diet Coke (her favorite). Made all this while she was taking a bath (another favorite).
After I cleaned the kitchen, loaded and started the dishwasher, cleaned the front rooms.
After that she had a friend over with husband and kids for several hours. Followed by me making her favorite meal of tri tip, baked potato, corn on the cob, and a specific salad she requested. She did help make the salad, but I bought everything and got out the ingredients. I made the rest, then cleaned up after dinner. Then served homemade cake (myself and youngest two) and ice cream. Cleaned up again. Gave gifts and card, then she went to the bedroom to call her parents.
2.5 hours later the kids are headed to bed, it’s a fight as always, she’s getting upset, so I get on the kids about it, and then she gets pissed. Starts yelling at me. She’s upset that her gifts are not put up yet, the dishwasher isn’t unloaded, and the decorations are still up. I take out the trash, come back in and she continues yelling at me. Tells me the gifts weren’t enough, she expected gifts from the kids, feels that nobody cares about her, that she’s not appreciated, then proceeds to unload and load the dishwasher as loud as possible while simultaneously telling me to stay away from her.
Granted, the gifts were modest. Popcorn is another favorite of hers and I got her this special
Low hull popcorn, some plantar fasciitis house slippers because she’s having foot issues, and when we find the right one on marketplace a console table for behind the couch. Girls all made handmade cards. Nothing rushed, they worked on them for two nights. We are a one income family and money is tight.
So, with what you know, AITAH?