Husband Shares Heartfelt Disappointment Over Wife's Unfulfilled Sandwich Promise

“Am I being too sensitive?”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• February 11, 2024

Birthdays are that one day of the year when we can make things all about us without being called selfish. And for our narrator’s (Original Poster’s ) wife, it wasn’t just about the festivities; the free birthday treats made it all the more special.

OP and his wife already strategically planned her route. She’d dash off to Firehouse Subs to get a complimentary sandwich, then bring one home for OP’s lunch.

However, when morning came, a casual question from OP’s sweetheart set the stage for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. She innocently inquired if it would be okay to skip buying OP’s sandwich. 

Why? Well, paying for his sandwich would totally ruin the magic of her own complimentary delight, she claimed. OP nodded in agreement and put on a brave face, but he couldn’t ignore the sting of disappointment. 

It was pretty weird that doing something nice for him would make her free treat less special. He definitely wouldn’t feel the same if roles were reversed; if anything, it would make him happier—this was not what he expected.

She noticed his broody mood before she left and attempted to pick his brain on why he took it to heart. Sadly, he couldn’t quite articulate these feelings, so they agreed to revisit it at a later time.

When she finally left, OP couldn’t help but wonder—was he making a big deal out of the situation, or was it normal that he felt hurt by her actions?

The story in detail

A bit of background

OP’s wife asked if she could avoid getting him a sandwich on her birthday, as it would make her free sandwich feel less special

The couple talked about the fact that he was feeling hurt, but they couldn’t reach a resolution. However, OP wants to know if he’s overreacting

We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community:

“NTA. it's very basic etiquette of being a good partner. Bring them food when you pick up food for yourself!“

“NTA, your wife is ridiculous with all this feeling ‘special’ crap.”

“Order your sandwich and pay online. Ask her to pick it up for you.”

“It's the tiniest ask on Earth. Feel free not to bring her anything the next time you pick up food.”

“NTA. She turned something normal, simple and fun into something weird.”

“NTA, or is this her 12th birthday? How is it that buying your sandwich detracts from getting hers for free?”

First update

Second update

The majority of Redditors found it baffling that OP’s ‘adult’ wife prioritized her free sub feeling "special" over a basic act of kindness. Bringing home some food for your partner is typical is any healthy relationship, Redditors declared.

Sure, spending money might lessen the thrill of free birthday loot, but they had an agreement prior to her birthday—it’s only right to follow through. 

Thankfully, OP and his wife quickly resolved the issue and deemed it unworthy of worry. And they couldn’t have been more right.

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

Jesse