For my birthday, my spouse got me a nicer newer expensive version of a thing I already have. The one I have is older and dented but works just fine. I use it weekly. I never complain about it. I’ve never asked for a newer one. The one I have was given to me by my mother in law, whom I adore. It’s sentimental.

I don’t like new things. When they got me a 3d printer, it was the cheapest one and it was a kit and I had to build myself. I loved it. It’s perfect for me. I regularly buy things used or get things from Buy Nothing groups. I much prefer to repair old things in many ways. My car has over 100k miles. The one before did too. I don’t like new things.

We got into a huge argument because I want to return it. They are so upset with me that they left the house to calm down. Why am I the bad person? Why are they mad at me? I have a very clear tendency for old broken used things. Why am I obligated to like this new thing?

We literally established a rule early in our marriage. I’m not allowed to gift nerdy t shirts. They don’t like them. I love them. I thought they would like them but they do not. So they asked me to stop. This feels the same. I do not like new things. Why am I the bad guy for wanting to return the newer version of the thing I already have?

  • Crozekiel@lemmy.zipEnglish
    231·
    3 days ago

    It seems to me it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to shop for someone that refuses any “new” item.

    Also, how many nerdy t-shirts did you gift them before the rule was in place? How did your partner react to all of those t-shirts? Did they immediately demand you return them?

    It is a harsh reaction to request a gift just be returned.

    • Jarix@lemmy.world
      610·
      3 days ago

      It’s also pretty shitty to say that thing you live sucks gets a version I think is better and you HAVE to like it

      • Crozekiel@lemmy.zipEnglish
        71·
        3 days ago

        That’s a pretty extreme interpretation of being given a gift…

        You aren’t even OP… Are you OK?

        • Jarix@lemmy.world
          56·
          3 days ago

          A hyperbole (pronounced “hy-per-buh-lee”) is a literary device that uses extreme exaggeration to create strong emphasis

          I’m fine, perhaps I went a little too overboard, but it was intended a hyperbole to make clear the point I was arguing from.

          Perhaps I misunderstood this literary device or how to use it, but now you know what I was attempting, I’ll consider an edit if you want to play Editor for a minute