Last year on his birthday, I spent weeks making a customized photo album filled with our memories. His reaction was disappointing when he asked where the real gift was. It made me realize he wasn’t the man I’d fallen for anymore.
Then came this year’s birthday. Todd asked for a big, proper dinner, saying I was good at planning and to make it decent and classy. I agreed, hoping to make it special despite his past behavior.
For two weeks, I worked hard on the dinner. I planned an impressive menu, cleaned the house, borrowed extra furniture, and did all the prep work after work each day. Todd did nothing, claiming he was swamped at work.
The day of the party arrived. The house was perfect, the table set beautifully, and the food was ready. Todd strolled in around noon, barely looked at it, and then said not to bother finishing it as he was going to the bar with the guys to watch the game instead. I was heartbroken and humiliated. I’d put so much effort into it, and he just walked out.