straightup ( member #78778) posted at 11:57 AM on Saturday, April 19th, 2025
My mother, now approaching 80, gave my daughter a very stylish necklace for her 18th birthday.
My Dad had given it to her in better times, pre- affair.
Just wait 45 years and the expensive gift will be ready for re-gifting.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
Mother Teresa
DobleTraicion ( member #78414) posted at 12:28 PM on Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Return to sender? Why accept that which just becomes another pain point (clearly already is)?
Nah, no more baggage received. I think you have enough at this point, dont you?
"We are slow to believe that which, if believed, would hurt our feelings."
~ Ovid
gr8ful ( member #58180) posted at 6:46 PM on Saturday, April 19th, 2025
A gift? Hmmm…..trying to assuage the guilt IMO.
My take: she’s not trying to assuage guilt. She’s attempting to inflict it, or at minimum pain, with some success I fear.
DRSOOLERS ( member #85508) posted at 1:09 PM on Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Hey Ink,
I understand you were heading down the reconciliation route, and something shifted. I don't know the specifics – whether more facts came to light, you realized you couldn't live with the betrayal, or your wife wasn't a suitable partner for reconciliation.
So after outlining my missing context I've noticed more decisiveness in your comments since you made your stance. I think you're on the right path and doing the right thing.
Easier said than done, but I would either not respond or give a flippant response that rolls off your back.
Regardless of her motive, and we can all speculate, she's looking for a reaction. Don't give her one.
I'd probably text her something like:
"Thanks for the gift. For obvious reasons, I didn't get you anything. While it's appreciated, this isn't necessary moving forward. Hope you enjoyed your Easter."
Dr. Soolers - As recovered as I can be