I believed I was being a supportive partner by organizing a celebratory dinner for my husband Todd\u2019s 35th birthday. Just as the guests were about to arrive, he informed me that he was skipping the party to catch the game at a bar. What occurred afterward? Let\u2019s just say, I ended up on top.\n\n\n\n
One might expect that after six years of marriage, a person would develop some sense of gratitude, yet that is not the case with Todd. Each year, I would invest my emotions and efforts into celebrating his birthday, only to have him overlook it completely.\n\n\n\n
This year, however, his sense of entitlement reached unprecedented heights.\n\n\n\n
Six years. Todd and I have been married for that long.\n\n\n\n
Our relationship has its good moments, that\u2019s for sure. Todd has a way of being quite charming at times, and we\u2019ve shared some truly wonderful moments together. However, there\u2019s one aspect of him that completely frustrates me.\n\n\n\n
His sense of entitlement.\n\n\n\n
Consider last Thanksgiving, for instance. Todd came up with a fantastic idea to organize a dinner for our families. He shared the news at breakfast one morning, beaming as if he had just cracked the code to world hunger.\n\n\n\n
\u201cClaire,\u201d he said, \u201cI believe we ought to host Thanksgiving this year.\u201d\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright,\u201d I responded. That sounds lovely. How are we allocating the responsibilities?\n\n\n\n
He dismissed me as if I had just requested him to perform a headstand.\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, you excel at that kind of thing,\u201d he remarked. \u201cI will take care of\u2026 I\u2019m not sure, maybe drinks or something like that. Just ensure it leaves a lasting impression, okay?\n\n\n\n
I really should have seen it coming, yet I chose to go along with it anyway.\n\n\n\n
For two weeks, I organized and prepared while Todd engaged in fantasy football and occasionally inquired, \u201cDo you need me to grab anything?\u201d\n\n\n\n
On the big day, I prepared the turkey, created delicious sides, and even baked two pies.\n\n\n\n
And Todd? He brought the cooler of beer into the living room. That\u2019s all there is to it.\n\n\n\n
After dinner, while everyone praised the food and decor, Todd chose to claim credit for it all.\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m really happy to hear that you all enjoy it,\u201d he said. \u201cI hoped for something truly memorable this year.\u201d\n\n\n\n
I believed I had misunderstood him.\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, is that so?\u201d I inquired. Which part were you hoping to make special? Which is more important, the green bean casserole or the centerpiece?\n\n\n\n
He completely overlooked me, naturally.\n\n\n\n
That pretty much sums up Todd. He seeks recognition without putting in any effort.\n\n\n\n
Last year on his birthday was quite memorable.\n\n\n\n
After weeks of effort, I crafted a personalized photo album, brimming with images from our adventures and cherished moments shared. I was eager to witness his response as he tore off the wrapping.\n\n\n\n
Once he finished flipping through the pages, he simply remarked, \u201cOh.\u201d So, where\u2019s the true treasure?\n\n\n\n
It wasn\u2019t merely his words that caused pain. The boldness was astonishing.\n\n\n\n
I had married a man who once crafted beautiful poetry for me, yet now he seemed unable to value a sincere gesture. That moment broke something within me.\n\n\n\n
It dawned on me that he was no longer the man I had once fallen for.\n\n\n\n
And then his 35th birthday arrived. The last breaking point.\n\n\n\n
During dinner, Todd mentioned his plans in a relaxed manner.\n\n\n\n
\u201cClaire, I\u2019m hoping for a grand, proper birthday dinner this year,\u201d he expressed. \u201cLet\u2019s gather the family, my friends, and everyone else.\u201d\n\n\n\n
I lifted an eyebrow in curiosity. \u201cAre you saying you want me to take care of the planning?\u201d\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure,\u201d he replied. You\u2019re really skilled at this. Just keep it respectable, okay? <text\u201dI really hope I don\u2019t end up feeling humiliated in front of all those people.\u201d\n\n\n\n
\u201cDecent?\u201d I echoed.\n\n\n\n
Sure, just keep it in moderation. Maintain elegance.\n\n\n\n
Do you notice the sense of entitlement present? Look at how he believes he deserves a birthday celebration, despite the way his words hurt me last time.\n\n\n\n
To be honest, I was hesitant to agree, but I chose to give him another opportunity. It was his birthday, and I aimed to make it special, despite my feelings about whether he deserved it.\n\n\n\n
Over the next two weeks, I dedicated myself to organizing Todd\u2019s \u201cbig, proper birthday dinner.\u201d If he desired elegance, I would provide him with elegance.\n\n\n\n
I created a remarkable menu featuring spinach-stuffed chicken, rosemary potatoes, a charcuterie board with cheeses I couldn\u2019t pronounce, and a three-layer chocolate cake that would be the highlight of the meal.\n\n\n\n
Each evening after my job, I would return home, pull my hair back, and dive into cleaning, organizing, and preparing. I even borrowed some extra chairs and a folding table from our neighbor, Janice, to ensure that everyone would have a place to sit.\n\n\n\n
What did Todd contribute? Completely nothing.\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m overwhelmed at work,\u201d he said one evening, tossing aside his shoes and sinking onto the couch. \u201cBut you can do this, my love.\u201d You excel at these tasks.\n\n\n\n
Skilled in these areas? I was utterly exhausted to the point of tears.\n\n\n\n
But rather than losing my cool, I smiled and replied, \u201cYeah, I\u2019ve got this.\u201d\n\n\n\n
The long-awaited day of the party had finally come.\n\n\n\n
I rose with the dawn, resolute in my quest for perfection.\n\n\n\n
The house was immaculate. The table was beautifully arranged with coordinated linens and delicate name cards that I had penned by hand. The appetizers were perfectly chilled, the main courses were gently simmering, and the cake was adorned with exquisite edible gold flakes.\n\n\n\n
Indeed, I took it to that extent.\n\n\n\n
Todd wandered into the kitchen around noon, casually scrolling through his phone as he often did. He hardly took a look at the arrangement I had prepared.\n\n\n\n
\u201cLooks good,\u201d he said quietly while reaching into the fridge for a soda.\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoes it look good?\u201d I said it again, partly in jest but also with a glimmer of hope that he would see the effort I had made.\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d he replied, closing the fridge door. Then, as if it were nothing significant, he casually remarked, \u201cBut hey, uh, don\u2019t worry about finishing all this.\u201d\n\n\n\n
\u201cCould you clarify what you mean?\u201d\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m going to the bar with the guys to catch the game instead. Cancel all plans. Let everyone know that something has come up.\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you really skipping your own birthday dinner?\u201d I inquired. \u201cTodd, I\u2019ve been working on this for weeks!\u201d\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nothing to worry about, Claire,\u201d he dismissed it casually. \u201cJust reach out to everyone and let them know we\u2019re occupied or something.\u201d They will comprehend.\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you think they\u2019ll get it?\u201d My voice elevated. \u201cTodd, folks are already heading over!\u201d \u201cYou asked me to make this decent, and now you\u2019re just walking away?\u201d\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really don\u2019t want to make a fool of myself in front of the guys,\u201d he said, bringing the conversation to a close.\n\n\n\n
He picked up his jacket and stepped out the door.\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t something you can go through with, Todd!\u201d I called out, but he was already gone.\n\n\n\n
My heart felt utterly shattered. I had invested my heart, soul, and savings into this dinner, and he simply walked out as if it meant nothing.\n\n\n\n
Are we really canceling everything? After all the effort I had put in?\n\n\n\n
Yet above all else, I experienced a deep sense of humiliation.\n\n\n\n
How could he do this to me? How could he dismiss all my efforts as if they were insignificant?\n\n\n\n
I gazed at the table as the candles danced with a teasing light.\n\n\n\n
Is this all you believe you are worth, Claire? I pondered. Is this really how you\u2019re going to allow Todd to treat you? Negative. This isn\u2019t possible.\n\n\n\n
At that moment, I resolved not to cancel the dinner. I refuse to let him make me feel bad again.\n\n\n\n
If Todd chose to behave like a spoiled brat, I\u2019d allow it, but not before demonstrating to him what true embarrassment really feels like. He was completely unaware of the trouble he was inviting.\n\n\n\n
I picked up my phone and shot a group message to all the guests:\n\n\n\n
The celebration continues! Adjustments have been made. Join us at the bar on the main street close to our home. Come hungry!\n\n\n\n
After that, I began my tasks.\n\n\n\n
I gathered all the food and loaded it into the car. I headed directly to the bar Todd had talked about.\n\n\n\n
Upon my arrival, the atmosphere was already alive with a cacophony of sounds. I scanned the room and noticed Todd at a table with his friends, facing away from the entrance. He had no awareness of my presence at all.\n\n\n\n
Excuse me, ma\u2019am? How may I assist you? The bartender\u2019s eyes widened in surprise as he noticed the trays of food I was carrying.\n\n\n\n
I gave him my most charming smile. \u201cOh, I\u2019m simply here to enjoy a meal with those who will truly value it.\u201d\n\n\n\n
I chose a table close to the bar, where I could see Todd\u2019s group clearly, and started to unpack one dish after another. The enticing scent of the food swiftly drew in everyone\u2019s focus. Nearby patrons leaned in, eager to catch a glimpse of the unfolding scene.\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d one man inquired, pointing at the spread I was arranging.\n\n\n\n
I elevated my voice slightly to ensure it reached across the room. \u201cOh, this was meant to be a special dinner for my husband\u2019s birthday.\u201d He chose to leave me behind and come here, so I figured, why should all this food go to waste?\n\n\n\n
The atmosphere in the room buzzed with whispers and chuckles, and some attendees even broke into applause. At that moment, Todd finally turned around and noticed me.\n\n\n\n
He quickly marched over as his friends whispered to one another.\n\n\n\n
Claire! What on earth are you doing? He hissed, his gaze flickering anxiously between me and the swelling crowd.\n\n\n\n
I didn\u2019t even glance in his direction.\n\n\n\n
I turned my attention to the closest group of patrons. Do you enjoy ham? Feel free to help yourselves! Cake is on the way as well.\u201d\n\n\n\n
Just as Todd began to voice another complaint, the front door swung open, and in came his parents, my parents, his sister, and our cousins.\n\n\n\n
They glanced our way, then shifted their gaze to the food, and finally took in the sight of everyone enjoying what was meant to be a formal dinner.\n\n\n\n
Todd\u2019s mom, with her characteristic straightforwardness, approached him directly. \u201cHey, Todd, what\u2019s happening?\u201d Claire suggested we gather here for your birthday dinner, but what\u2019s with the food being served in a bar?\n\n\n\n
Todd appeared as if he wished he could sink into the ground.\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, it\u2019s not simple, Mom,\u201d he said quietly.\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would be delighted to elaborate!\u201d I stepped in. Todd chose to prioritize watching the game with his friends over the dinner he insisted I organize. So, I delivered the dinner to him!\n\n\n\n
His father shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s so disrespectful,\u201d he muttered.\n\n\n\n
In the meantime, my mom picked up a plate and remarked, \u201cThe food smells incredible.\u201d It\u2019s time to eat!\n\n\n\n
Before long, our families came together with the other guests and eagerly began to enjoy the meal I had put so much effort into preparing.\n\n\n\n
What about Todd\u2019s friends? They continued to laugh at his expense, assuring him that this day would never be forgotten.\n\n\n\n
When I finally presented the cake, the bar had transformed into a lively celebration. Atop the cake, I had inscribed in bold frosting letters:\n\n\n\n
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND!\n\n\n\n
The bar burst into laughter as I read it aloud, but Todd didn\u2019t seem too pleased with that.\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid we really need to do this, Claire?\u201d he whispered softly.\n\n\n\n
I tilted my head, a gentle smile gracing my lips. \u201cDefinitely.\u201d\n\n\n\n
After everyone finished, I began to gather the empty trays. At that moment, the bartender intervened.\n\n\n\n
\u201cMa\u2019am, you truly are a legend,\u201d he remarked. Complimentary drinks await your return. Of course, not without him!\n\n\n\n
I let out a soft laugh. Thank you very much! I\u2019ll make sure to stop by at some point.\n\n\n\n
The families departed quickly once the food had been consumed. My dad gave me a proud nod as he departed, while Todd\u2019s mom remarked that he could have performed better.\n\n\n\n
As we drove back home, Todd kept grumbling about feeling \u201chumiliated.\u201d Upon our return, his objections grew even louder.\n\n\n\n
\u201cClaire, you embarrassed me in front of everyone!\u201d he exclaimed, gesturing dramatically.\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbsolutely not, Todd,\u201d I retorted. You brought shame upon yourself. Just so we\u2019re clear, don\u2019t count on another homemade meal in the near future.\n\n\n\n
He realized that there was no point in trying to argue with me at that moment. He abruptly turned and marched off to the bedroom.\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s been two weeks since that night, and I swear, Todd is a different person now. Indeed, for the most part.\n\n\n\n
His unreasonable requests have lessened, and he\u2019s been surprisingly courteous, as if he\u2019s worried I\u2019ll pull another trick like that. He hasn\u2019t directly apologized for abandoning me, but his awkward demeanor speaks volumes.\n\n\n\n
It seems he\u2019s finally realized that I\u2019m not the type of wife who will just accept his nonsense any longer. At the very least, that\u2019s a victory in my opinion.\n\n\n\n
If you were in my position, what actions would you have taken?\n\n\n\n
\nSummarized:\n\n\n\n\n
The writer shares her experience of preparing a festive dinner for her husband Todd\u2019s 35th birthday. Just as the guests were set to arrive, he revealed that he was skipping the celebration to catch the game at a bar. This year, Todd\u2019s sense of entitlement reached unprecedented heights, leaving her feeling disheartened about their relationship.\n\n\n\n
After twelve years of marriage, the author has learned the importance of appreciating each other\u2019s contributions, yet this year, Todd\u2019s sense of entitlement reached unprecedented heights. Last Thanksgiving, Todd hosted a dinner for both families, while the author took charge of planning and preparing the event, leaving Todd to enjoy his fantasy football game. On the big day, the writer roasted the turkey, prepared the sides, and even baked two pies. Todd brought the cooler of beer into the living room, and after dinner, he felt it was the right moment to claim credit for all that had transpired.\n\n\n\n
The creator dedicated weeks to crafting a personalized photo album for Todd\u2019s birthday, brimming with images from their adventures and cherished memories together. When Todd unwrapped the album, he inquired about the real gift, leaving the author feeling deeply hurt. The author came to understand that she had developed feelings for a man who was unable to value a sincere gesture, recognizing that she had indeed fallen for someone who could not appreciate such genuine expressions.\n\n\n\n
On Todd\u2019s 35th birthday, he nonchalantly expressed his desire for a grand birthday dinner, inviting family, friends, and everyone else. The writer requested her to organize the event, but Todd merely stated that he wanted it to be respectable and not excessive. She was reluctant to agree, yet she chose to give him another chance since it was his birthday. She aimed to make it special, despite feeling he didn\u2019t truly deserve it.\n\n\n\n
Claire, a meticulous and thoughtful woman, devoted two weeks to orchestrating her husband\u2019s birthday dinner. She crafted a remarkable menu that included spinach-stuffed chicken, rosemary potatoes, a charcuterie board filled with cheeses she struggled to pronounce, and a decadent three-layer chocolate cake. After work, Claire tidied up, arranged everything, and prepared for the party, borrowing chairs and a folding table from her neighbor, Janice.\n\n\n\n
Todd, on the other hand, did not add much to the event. One evening, he expressed his frustration about being overwhelmed at work and praised Claire\u2019s abilities. Even though she was tired, Claire persevered in her efforts to ensure the party was flawless.\n\n\n\n
On the day of the party, Todd showed up, and she got everything ready for him. He entered the kitchen, hardly glancing at the array she had set out. He proposed calling off the dinner and informing everyone that they had other commitments. Claire felt devastated, having poured both her time and money into the dinner.\n\n\n\n
Todd, however, declined, expressing his desire to embarrass her in front of the guests. Claire felt embarrassed and chose to go ahead with the dinner. If Todd chose to behave like a spoiled brat, she would allow it, but not without demonstrating what true \u201cembarrassment\u201d entailed.\n\n\n\n
Claire sent a group message to all the guests, informing them that the party was still happening and that they would gather at a bar on the main street close to their location. She immediately set to work.\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, Claire\u2019s attempts to organize her husband\u2019s birthday dinner did not go as planned, leaving her feeling embarrassed by his actions. Despite her efforts, Claire chose not to cancel the dinner and resolved to show Todd what \u201cembarrassing\u201d truly meant.\n\n\n\n
Claire is on her way to a bar where her husband, Todd, has received an invitation. She is bringing in food and setting out dishes for the gathering. The enticing scent of the food draws people in, while the atmosphere buzzes with laughter and intrigue. Claire shares that the gathering was intended to celebrate her husband\u2019s birthday dinner, but Todd chose to abandon her and head to the bar instead.\n\n\n\n
The atmosphere buzzed with whispers and chuckles, and some individuals even applauded. Todd\u2019s mom, known for her straightforwardness, inquires why Claire is dishing out food at the bar. Claire shares that Todd chose to prioritize watching the game with his friends over the dinner he insisted she organize. Todd\u2019s dad shook his head, saying it was disrespectful.\n\n\n\n
Claire\u2019s mom then presents the cake, adorned with bold frosting letters that read: \u201cHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SELFISH HUSBAND!\u201d The bar burst into laughter as she read it out loud. Todd feels a bit discontented about this, yet Claire reassures him that it was essential. The bartender promises complimentary drinks if Todd ever returns without him. Claire laughs and mentions that she will surely come by at some point.\n\n\n\n
The families leave quickly once the food is finished, and Todd expresses his discomfort about feeling humiliated. He raises his hands dramatically, blaming Claire for making a fool of herself in front of the crowd. Claire admits to feeling humiliated and states that a homemade meal won\u2019t be happening again in the near future. Todd realizes that she\u2019s no longer the type of wife who will tolerate his nonsense, and that\u2019s a victory for her.\n\n\n\n
In the two weeks following that night, Claire has observed a change in Todd. His unreasonable requests have diminished, and he has shown a surprising level of courtesy. He hasn\u2019t directly apologized for abandoning her, but his embarrassed demeanor speaks volumes. Claire is confident that he understands she won\u2019t just accept his nonsense any longer.\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, Claire\u2019s narrative underscores the difficulties women encounter in relationships, emphasizing the significance of nourishment, family bonds, and individual development.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"