Background: our separation agreement has no spousal support (even though he could have easily had a case for me to pay him) and no child support (his income is so low I figure I don't need to ding him any more, especially considering I'm not paying spousal).
So it was my birthday recently, and my ex arranged for our sons to give me presents. Pretty cool, especially because they were kid items that they would probably end up playing with the most. However, I happened to see them in a store when I was out shopping, and I had no idea they were so expensive!
Now I feel awkward that he's buying me (the kids) presents like that, when I am trying to be gracious and not insist on child support. But honestly, I'd rather he skip buying me presents (I don't get him any anymore) and skip buying the kids presents on a non-occasion (they have plenty of toys!) and keep his money to live on. Or if he somehow has that much disposable cash, just give me child support after all, as then I could use it on bills.
This is a new tactic; previously he's given me grown up things that I've just let sit around unopened (anyone want Starcraft II?). Maybe he's fed up with me being an ingrate? I tell him he doesn't have to buy me anything, but I think he's trying to teach the kids generosity. But then how does that work with having them buy me kids' toys? He could have had them make a little craft or bought something small with their own money, not spent his own money big time.
I know I'm overthinking this, but I feel very awkward and haven't got a clue how to discourage it. Can anyone give me any insight into the male ego?
So it was my birthday recently, and my ex arranged for our sons to give me presents. Pretty cool, especially because they were kid items that they would probably end up playing with the most. However, I happened to see them in a store when I was out shopping, and I had no idea they were so expensive!
Now I feel awkward that he's buying me (the kids) presents like that, when I am trying to be gracious and not insist on child support. But honestly, I'd rather he skip buying me presents (I don't get him any anymore) and skip buying the kids presents on a non-occasion (they have plenty of toys!) and keep his money to live on. Or if he somehow has that much disposable cash, just give me child support after all, as then I could use it on bills.
This is a new tactic; previously he's given me grown up things that I've just let sit around unopened (anyone want Starcraft II?). Maybe he's fed up with me being an ingrate? I tell him he doesn't have to buy me anything, but I think he's trying to teach the kids generosity. But then how does that work with having them buy me kids' toys? He could have had them make a little craft or bought something small with their own money, not spent his own money big time.
I know I'm overthinking this, but I feel very awkward and haven't got a clue how to discourage it. Can anyone give me any insight into the male ego?
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