A frustrated man says he is considering ending his three-year relationship over his girlfriend’s “Dirty 30” birthday celebration demands and the internet has thoughts.
In a post on Reddit that has scored 5,900 upvotes and 2,700 comments within three days online, user Simple-Media7149 explained that his girlfriend asked for 30 birthday gifts and was planning her own party while assigning him responsibilities through her best friend.
“Apparently I’m supposed to get 30 different gifts,” the 25-year-old man told Redditors.
“The party was her idea from the beginning.”
‘I knew from the beginning’
Although the original poster (OP) said he had no problem spoiling his girlfriend, he described feeling emotionally sidelined and “tired” as the birthday planning consumed their conversations.
“It’s not over gifts or the party,” he clarified, “I don’t mind spoiling her. We both for three years have spoiled one another. I knew from the beginning she was materialistic and that never bothered me.
“I am bothered by her handing me a list. It reminds me of my boss. I would rather her be my romantic partner and not my boss.”
Photo by Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
The OP said his frustration was compounded by family pressure.
“My mom also said it’d be awful if I ended the relationship before her celebration,” he wrote, while his father suggested, “Keep her happy. It will be easier in the long run.”
Reddit Reacts
Several Reddit commentators responding to the man’s plea for advice were confused by the concept of a “Dirty 30.”
“Wait till she turns 50. That list gonna be LIT,” an individual remarked.
“She gonna get a thrifty-50,” another user quipped.
More than a few critics felt user Simple-Media7149 was largely unsatisfied with his relationship anyway.
“I feel like you been unhappy and this is the straw that broke the camel’s back,” one person shared.
A critic pointed out the OP’s comment that he didn’t feel like he was losing anything by breaking up after just three years.
“That’s crazy man,” the critic wrote, “I could say that after a month, but three freaking years?”
A pundit chipped in to observe that it, “Doesn’t seem like you’re the most compatible pair. You’re more lowkey, she’s more extravagant.
“Nothing is wrong with that, but it sounds like if you continue this, it’ll only be exhausting for you and disappointing for her.”
The OP replied: “I think you figured out my exact feelings.”
Messy Relationships
Relationships can be messy, as Newsweek has covered extensively.
According to a study reported by Newsweekmen often “aim high” when trying to match with single women. The study found, however, that most matches occurred between people with similar levels of desirability.
Meanwhile, a woman who works as a body piercer was confused that her boyfriend thought she might be cheating on him with her clients.
“He has never shown any signs that he was bothered by my job before this,” the woman wrote in the viral post covered by Newsweek.
“I really don’t understand why he’s acting this way.”
‘Going nuclear’
Ultimately, after a face-to-face talk, the couple decided to stay together, according to Simple-Media7149.
“I am glad a longer conversation occurred with both some of those who had helpful comments/concerns as well as with my girlfriend,” the OP told Newsweek in a message.
“We had a healthy conversation that strengthened our relationship.
“I realized that going nuclear and ending the relationship wasn’t the only option thanks to my Reddit post and I am grateful for that.”
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