I believed I was being the ideal wife when I planned a grand birthday dinner for my husband Todd’s 35th birthday. But just as the guests were about to arrive, Todd announced he was ditching the party to watch a game at a bar. What happened next? Let’s just say I got the final laugh.
After six years of marriage, I thought Todd would show a little gratitude. Every year, I poured my heart into his birthday celebrations, only for him to take it all for granted. But this year? His entitlement reached a new low.
The Unappreciated Wife
Todd and I have shared plenty of good times over the years, but his sense of entitlement often overshadows his better qualities. From Thanksgiving disasters to thoughtless birthday reactions, his tendency to dismiss my efforts became a recurring theme.
Take last Thanksgiving. Todd proudly declared, “Let’s host both families!” without any thought about the workload. When I asked about dividing responsibilities, he casually replied, “You’re better at this stuff. I’ll handle the drinks.” Predictably, I ended up doing everything, from roasting the turkey to setting up the perfect table. Todd’s sole contribution? Carrying a cooler of beer into the living room.
The worst part? He took credit for it all, basking in the compliments as if he’d planned every detail.
A Disheartening Birthday Surprise
Last year, I spent weeks crafting a heartfelt photo album filled with our special moments. I couldn’t wait to see Todd’s reaction. But after flipping through the pages, he remarked, “Oh. So, where’s the real gift?” His words stung more than I cared to admit.
This year, Todd’s demands escalated. He requested a “big, proper birthday dinner” and left all the planning to me. “Just keep it classy,” he added, brushing off any mention of effort on his part.
The Final Straw
I threw myself into planning his celebration. The menu featured spinach-stuffed chicken, rosemary potatoes, and a stunning three-layer chocolate cake. For two weeks, I worked tirelessly, cleaning, organizing, and borrowing extra chairs to ensure everything was perfect.
On the day of the party, the house was immaculate, the table was set with handwritten name cards, and the food was ready. Todd barely acknowledged my efforts, muttering a half-hearted “Looks good” before announcing he was heading to a bar with his friends to watch a game. He even suggested I cancel the party and “tell everyone something came up.”
His audacity was the breaking point. I refused to let his selfishness ruin the evening.
A Bold Move
Determined to reclaim my dignity, I sent a group text to the guests:
“Party’s still on! Change of plans. Meet us at the bar near our place. Bring your appetite!”
I packed the food and drove to the bar. Once there, I set up the entire feast in full view of Todd and his friends. As patrons began to notice, I raised my voice, announcing, “This was supposed to be my husband’s birthday dinner, but he decided to ditch me, so I brought it here.”
The room erupted in laughter, and Todd’s mortified expression was priceless. His friends teased him relentlessly, while our families—who arrived shortly after—joined the impromptu celebration.
The Sweetest Revenge
The pièce de résistance was the birthday cake, boldly inscribed with “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SELFISH HUSBAND!” The laughter and camaraderie in the bar turned what could’ve been a disaster into an unforgettable night.
As we drove home, Todd sulked, accusing me of humiliating him. “No, Todd,” I replied calmly. “You humiliated yourself.”
A Change for the Better
Two weeks later, Todd’s behavior shifted. While he hasn’t outright apologized, his newfound politeness and effort to tone down his demands speak volumes. Maybe he finally realized I’m not someone to be taken for granted.
Marriage is about respect and partnership. That night, I didn’t just stand up for myself—I reminded Todd what those values mean.
