Dear Queenie,
A long time ago I told my husband he didn’t need to give me a gift on my birthday because I knew how much he didn’t like trying to figure out what I might like to get. I didn’t mean he should forget my birthday entirely but that’s what he has done. At least he should remember to say “Happy birthday” and maybe take me out to dinner.
I always remember his birthday, not with a gift but with a special dinner and a birthday cake.
Queenie, am I asking too much of him?—Insulted wife
Dear Wife,
No, you are not asking too much, but it is possible your husband misunderstood what you told him so long ago.
From now on, remind him well in advance that your birthday is coming up and tell him how you would like to celebrate. Tell him you do not like surprises and keep asking him how he is planning to celebrate with you. If that does not do the trick, make your own arrangements to celebrate at your favourite restaurant, and when they bring the bill hand it to him.
