My girlfriend has this ex, who's out of state, that she's still friends with. She'll go and visit from time to time. It's cool.
Well, his birthday is coming up, I know this. But the gifts she seems to be buying for him seem a little expensive for being just friends.
The guy is into Baseball (as am I) and she's buying him autographed balls from Don Mattingly (the guy's name is Donnie), collectible cards worth some mint, jerseys and books. Overall I'd say to the tune of maybe $200 or so.
I don't know if I'm weird or what... but I don't buy my friends any gift over maybe $50 tops. Dinner and one small item is what you get.
She's known this guy for maybe six or seven years so I know there's some time there.
How should I approach this? Am I worrying too much?
I could see her buying him A SINGLE really cool gift like a signed ball or card, or maybe even 1 of each. But she really is trying to please him a lot. A lot more than I would with an ex who I have no feelings for but am 'still friends' with. And far more than I would do for a guy I am not seeing when I am in a relationship with someone else. She is lucky that you respect her friendship with him. I am still pretty good friends with one of my exes and I am glad a guy I'm seeing now is the type to respect that. But I know there is a limit to his tolerance and I'M GLAD! So I haven't ever come close to pushing it and I don't want to. Just me calling my ex on his birthday when I was out with my current guy was enough for him to say "that's why they are called 'exes' - because you don't have to do that anymore!" Haha, but then he stepped away and gave me time to call.
I think he handled it perfectly - he made his feelings known in a funny way, but I am completely clear on his feelings. Then he stepped back and let me make the call in privacy. I made the call, wished my ex happy birthday on his voicemail, then didn't bring it up again.
It's good you are accepting, but be clear about your limits. If she's already gone beyond them (sounds like you think she has), let her know. If she continues to, tell her you need to move on to someone who doesn't have such strong feelings for their ex.
To be quite honest, I think she wants you to be a little possessive and assert yourself as her man. It's a little insecure and immature on her part, but it's easily remedied with some reassurance. Don't be brutish, just show her it matters.
An interesting take. I'll try that out. I don't think I'm a pushover or anything. I respect her friendship with her ex because I maintain friendships with almost all of mine. But I never really spend money on them aside from a small birthday or holiday gift, and never go over $50 as a rule. Even for my non-ex friends. - 4 months ago
Answerer
I don't think you are being a pushover either. But I think she's unclear re: how you feel, primarily because you yourself aren't clear on how you 'should' feel. I don't envy men lately. It's become very unclear on how they 'should' respond, so they get accused of being unable to express their emotions, but when they actually do, it's a punishing no-win situation. Tell her how you feel. She'll either respect your feelings and be happy you're clearly her man or she won't and you'll know... and move on? - 4 months ago
Well if she's buying him maybe ONE special thing that he really likes, I guess that's ok. But if she's buying him multiple expensive gifts, then something's not right there. I think you should talk to her about it and let her realize that what she's doing is going way overboard, especially when its her ex.
That's not a good situation for you. I would not be surprised if they were messing around on you...that's not appropriate behavior. you're right to be worried.
I do not agree with what she has done. I would definitely be a little worried about this but that's just me. If they are exes but also best friends then I can see her maybe spending as much kind of money on this person.
nope you're not being weird... maybe you need to confront the situation... that's...uh... VERY weird... I would never get someone a $200 gift... uh especially not an EX-boyfriend! plus I'm a student so I don't have the money... haha but still... But then again, maybe it's her personality... has she ever given you extravagant gifts? Have you seen her give others big presents?
The gifts total close to $200. Most bought on eBay. It's not one $200 gift.
She doesn't buy me extravagant gifts, but we've been living together for 18 months and I've never been uncomfortable with that. She did buy her stepdad a $300 gift for Christmas last year, but that's the most I've seen her spend on a gift for an individual. - 4 months ago
Answerer
Hmm, well maybe you need to confront her... it's not normal that she gives her ex something that big when she doesn't do the same for you... It's not because you're jealous... you don't mind... you've said it yourself, but you need to know what's going on... make sure that's clear when you talk to her! - 4 months ago
Dude, she took the time to search out the perfect gift for him. She spent lots of money, time and traveled to deliver it to him. She really wants to make him happy......whats her motivation there? you figure it out. I love the ladies beleive me, most are generally sweet. But when a women decides to be sneaky, crude and mean...they top guys. - 4 months ago
Answerer
I agree with Gorce.... get a girl that's better than that!! I'm sure you deserve better... - 4 months ago
my ex-wife did the same thing and turns out she was sleeping with the guy. tell her she needs to tone it down a bit..talking and small gifts are one thing but visiting and buying expensive gifts for a "friend" that crossing the line to me.
ummm... 1) you are an idiot for putting up with that. 2) why would you ever agree to her going to visit her ex-bf... visit alone for one, two visit at all. . . well, I don't really have a 3... You guys must have an open relationship right?. . .shes bangin this dude when she visits him...He is a guy. Unless, he is just the perfect guy...but, they broke up for a reason. I dunnooo, me personally, I would never let my girlfriend probably talk to her ex-boyfriend. . .and I would never say, yeah, sure, I understand, you guys are friends, Yeah-go visit him! . . I don't know man, I don't know how your relationship rolls. . .
This is a very, very sketchy. I would also be very uneasy about this. First of all you don't go to just visit your ex from time to time and buy them such ridiculously expensive gifts. Sounds like she still has feelings for this guy. Who broke up with you in her past relationship with this guy? And further more I personally would tell her how uneasy I feel about this situation. Trust me if she cares about this relationship she would do whatever is in her power to keep it.
She is playing with the baseball bat from both teams...great for her..sucks for you and the other poor slob. I bet he thinks she is still his "long distance" relationship. She can't play for both teams at the same time on the same field.
Talking is one thing, BUYING EACH OTHER GIFTS, then to make it worse "SHE VISITS HIM OUT OF STATE." Seriously, what do you think they are doing, bet you not playing cards...
You're not being weird at all, you need to respet yourself and DUMP this girl..
You are at a dinner with her, have just walked into an interview or are at a first date with the best looking guy and there, your top two shirt buttons have snapped, or the pants you were wearing...
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