Is this manipulative?

Question

My mum says I haven't spent enough on my dad's birthday, because she spent a mint on him, and now I feel I have to spend hard saved money, to look as though I've spent as much?

Answer 1

h**l yes!

Answer 2

Man does nobody remember "it's the thought that counts"? It has nothing to do with her. you give what you can afford and what truly means something. It seems likes its a competition to her -rather childish.

Answer 3

She is the wife and you are the daughter. You know your father well, is he the type to complain about how much you spent on his birthday?

It is the thought that counts, in future do not spend more than what you intent and make it clear to you mother, choose a presentf or your father that you have choosen from the heart.

You di dnot specify whether you live at home with your parents, if not you can get out of spending and just buy a present or else you need to talk to your father about all this, he may just be the bets mediator between you two.

Answer 4

Yep. Your dad doesn't care how much you spend. Your mom is being ridiculous. I would open a seperate account and put money in there without her knowledge so you can control it better. Keep your mom out of your business and you BOTH will be happier.. Good luck!

Answer 5

Yes it is.  It is never the amount of a gift that matters, but the thought and effort.  If you found a special gift for your father that cost $10.00, why would you go out and spend more money just to please your MOTHER?

Your gift, a card with a personal note should be more than enough.

Answer 6

Your Mom is an idiot.  Trust me, as a Dad whatever my kids get me is appreciated because i know they do not have a lot.  

Answer 7

Manipulative? No.

I really cannot tell you what it is though.

What I can tell you is this. The view from a Dad is that it matters not how much money is spent on a birthday gift.

It is that time and love spent with him the other 364 days which matters. There is no amount of money which can replace that if it is missing. In fact, less that, a big expensive gift seems even more disingenuous.

A father is supposed to give all he can to his children not the other way around. A wife on the other hand IS supposed to give in large measure to her mate ( hopefully it is reciprocated).

A heartfelt THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU are usually all a Dad needs from his children.

Those HEARTFELT statements will bring him more joy than any gift.

Buy him a card and save your money for college.

Answer 8

Manipulative, maybe. Shallow, definitely.  

Answer 9

from experience, men don't care how much you spend, it's the thought...

don't listen to your mom...!

=)

you do what YOU want (as long as dad would like it) and can AFFORD!

if you listen to your mother you will end up broke one day...