Do you think it's wrong that my uncle and aunt didn't bring any gifts for me from their vacation?

[Anonymous]

My uncle, his wife, and his children recently traveled overseas for three weeks. They just got back, but they never even told me that they were traveling in the first place (had to find this out myself through Facebook). Nor did they bring back any souvenirs or specialty items or what not. When I traveled last year, I brought back chocolate, small trinkets, and toys for them and my little cousins. The least they could do is reciprocate, don't you think?

[Smoke-n-Growls]

No.

They went on vacation. Not on a shopping trip for you. They also have children. That's fucking expensive.

Be happy to have them back safely, and enjoy sharing in the stories and their company.

You decided to give them a gift - that does not come with strings. That is not what a gift is.

If you gave them something, and expect something in return, you should have stated so when you gave it to them. It was not a gift, if you expect something in return - it becomes an exchange.

Be a little more conscious that other people's lives and expenses don't revolve around you.

[Asker]

They never even told me that they were going on vacation. And I didn't specify this, but they're rich. My uncle collects $600+ dollars Kanye West shoes and my aunt has a $10,000 Chanel bag. It's not like they're desperate for money. I'm not rich, but if I was able to get a $4 snow globe for my cousin, then they should have been able to get something for me. Example of "family" not being family.

[Smoke-n-Growls]

Family is just a word, there are no contractual or actual obligations. Theoretically, they should care for you.

But they are under no obligation to.

Perhaps the reason they don't spend money on you is because you have entitlement, not appreciation.

You are also an older child than your nephew. It's entirely possible they think you won't like anything they bring back, or perhaps their family tradition is not to buy small gifts for older kids.

Again, these people owe you nothing. And "family" also means nothing in reality. My family is abusive - my mother stole $5k from me in university and forced me into debt - they mean nothing.

I build my own family.

Blood relatives don't always make family.

[Mate100]

They don't care about you. It shows by the way they did things. Don't tell and buy stuff for them next time you travel

[Asker]

I'll keep that in mind because they won't be getting sh-t from me next time.

[Mate100]

That's good! It's self respect