Turning 40 is a significant milestone for many, and it’s only natural to expect some sort of celebration or gift from loved ones. However, one man’s 40th birthday turned out to be a complete disaster, leaving him feeling hurt and unappreciated. What’s even more shocking is that his own wife didn’t get him anything, despite him planning a trip to Puerto Rico for her father’s birthday. Let’s dive into this heartbreaking story and try to understand what went wrong.
The Big 4-0 Trip
A Kind Gesture for FiL
A Blast in June
Brother’s European Vacation
Gas Station Cake
4th of July Disappointment
The Harsh Reality
Feeling Down and Alone
The Saddest 40th Birthday Gifts
No Gifts from Family
Feeling Unappreciated
Joint Account for Vacations
Heartbreaking 40th Birthday Letdown
This man’s 40th birthday was supposed to be a memorable milestone, but it turned out to be a complete disaster. Despite planning a trip to Puerto Rico and inviting his wife’s father, he received no gifts from his wife or the rest of his family, leaving him feeling hurt and unappreciated. The only thing he got was a roll of toilet paper with “You are 40” on it from his dad, which he promptly threw away. He’s now struggling to deal with the disappointment, especially since his wife is pregnant with their first child. Let’s see what the internet has to say about this heartbreaking situation…
Communication is key, don’t let resentment fester
Birthday plans ruined by in-laws, husband called her childish. NTA
Turning 50 and forgotten: NTA for feeling hurt
Birthdays are about showing you care, not the gift
Savage response to man’s birthday disaster
A woman spends hours cooking for her boyfriend’s birthday, but gets nothing.
Communicate your expectations to your wife and understand her perspective
Birthday disappointment despite being a giver
Unhappy birthday, happy revenge? Gas station treats revenge plan.
NTA for feeling disappointed. Communication and expectations need improvement.
Birthdays mean different things to different people, find common ground
Communication is key in a marriage
Validating the feeling of wanting attention on birthdays.
Birthday plans ruined by flaky friends, still salty years later
Communication is key in relationships
Setting boundaries is important for your mental health.
Treat yourself to a birthday gift, you deserve it!
Heartbreaking 40th birthday story with no celebration and husband in hospital
Fatherhood means eating the heels of bread loaves, literally and proverbially. Don’t play the victim, take ownership and celebrate yourself!
Disappointed commenter considers giving up on special occasions.
Turning 40 and getting nothing? That’s a**hole move, right?
Lowering expectations can lead to less disappointment and more surprises
Petty revenge or justified? Self-gifting on birthday
Importance of celebrating events and making loved ones feel special
Plan a gift for yourself, buy wife gas station cake
NTA, but communication is key for future expectations.
Suggesting therapy to address hurt from wife’s neglectful behavior
Thoughtful gift giver left feeling inconsequential after receiving sponges
No birthday gifts needed when you’re about to be a dad
Don’t wait for others to make you happy
Being a ‘birthday person’ is valid, NTA for feeling hurt.
Birthday disappointment solidarity
Gift-giving drama: Commenter tells birthday boy to grow up
Men deserve emotional recognition and reciprocity in relationships
When your partner forgets your birthday but plans a trip
Thoughtful gifts matter more than expensive ones
No birthday gift from loved ones? That’s harsh. NTA.
Communicate with your wife, plan a babymoon, and express expectations.
User advises to cool it with big trips and set boundaries.
Disappointed man’s birthday ruined by wife’s lack of effort. NTA.
Feeling upset on 40th birthday after wife’s cold gesture
Forgetting a partner’s birthday can be a relationship dealbreaker
12 years without a birthday gift from bf
Concerned commenter questions wife’s forgotten birthday amidst husband’s disappointment
Husband feels hurt on his birthday, wife may have forgotten.
Communicate your worth to your loved ones. NTA.
Partner forgets birthday twice, no apology gift. NTA.
Learning to give love is a process. NTA
Compassionate reply offers insight into potential underlying issues.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/1289d7f8-6c28-4d01-9fca-df9f8849296e.png)
Empathetic comment offers support to disappointed birthday guy.
Birthday gift forgotten, spend time with MiL instead
Don’t be a doormat! Wife’s lack of effort is unacceptable
Importance of understanding each other’s love languages in relationships. ❤️
No birthday gift from wife, but push gift expected? NTA.
Stop being the giver and see if they appreciate you
Turning 40 and still expecting birthday gifts?
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/3c1b0434-a500-4bb5-9aba-28bbfcddcd37.png)
Reciprocate love, not transactions. Express hurt and interact accordingly.
Giving up on birthdays after not receiving reciprocation. NTA.
Treat yourself! Buy the gift you deserve.
Birthday letdowns while parenting, discuss mutual understanding with spouse.
NTA, birthdays matter and should be celebrated with love
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/4dd96bf3-fab5-4a39-a503-56e7e73d1cbf.png)
A forgotten birthday and a hated stepmom, NTA
Disappointed husband seeks advice on wife’s birthday gift neglect
Different love languages can cause misunderstandings in relationships
User sympathizes with OP, hasn’t had birthday in 19 years
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/c9cf0187-697b-41fb-9d6f-dc2bd4aa786e.png)
Expecting your partner to read your mind? Think again.
Communication is key in gift-giving. Sweet treats and scotch
Gifts aren’t necessary after 30, friendly texts and dinner suffice
Keep doing things that make you happy without expecting anything back
Communication is key in any relationship
Empathetic comment suggests talking to wife and investing in relationships ❤️
User called out for being a ’40 year old baby’
User suggests revenge and financial separation after birthday letdown.
OP advised to confront family about underwhelming 40th birthday celebration
Sharing a birthday with Christmas is tough, even tougher with no gift
Consider pregnancy brain before assuming malice
Turning 40 and expecting a grand celebration? Think again.
Petty revenge suggestions for a neglected husband
Advice on communication for forgotten birthday, be forgiving
User sympathizes with OP and suggests communication with family
Savage but fair retaliation suggestion for a giftless birthday.
User recommends therapy for unhealthy attachment styles and codependency.
One man’s birthday disaster is another man’s Father’s Day fail
Empathetic reply offers support to birthday letdown. NTA.
Understand your partner’s love language to avoid disappointment
40th birthday milestone missed by wife, NTA suggests communication.
Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Diply Social Team
