Mothers Day Gifts From Your Beau
Photo credit: Pam Roth, stock.xhcng
The Washington Post’s Miss Manners Q&A had an interesting question posted today. Essentially, the reader wanted to know if it was appropriate for him to buy a Mother’s Day gift for the woman he’s dating (who has three children from a prior relationship), because she’s outwardly stated this is her expectation.
I found the question both odd and strange. Perhaps the woman in question is merely hinting she’s wanting a gift from her guy to demonstrate the status of their relationship, but I personally can’t see why she’d want a gift from her beau. I mean, the intention of Mother’s Day gifts are to honor your own Mother, or someone who acted in a motherly fashion towards you. Although I wouldn’t go so far as Miss Manners’ retort:
“Perhaps the lady is saying that rather than dating you, what she really wants is to adopt you.”
I also think the request is a bit odd. Why not get your date to help the kids make you something special, or take them out for a bit so Mom can have a couple of hours of time to herself? Maybe I’m a tad old-fashioned, but I’d never expect a gift from a guy I was dating for Mother’s Day. Maybe one of my babies’ fathers, as I’ve given them both Father’s Day gifts. But do I/would I expect a Mother’s Day gift? Gosh no.
How about you?
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 am
I think it is very appropriate for a man to give a Mother’s Day gift to the woman he is dating, provided the relationship is a bit serious. Even better, though, is helping the kids do something (gift, etc) for their Mom.
It is important that the gift not overshadow the family celebration. The point is simply to acknowledge and affirm the woman you are dating in her role as a Mom. She deserves recognition and thanks on this special day, and a gift is one way to do to do that. Certainly, be sure to send a card, flowers, etc to your own Mother first.