A mum-to-be has been left feeling "discarded" this thanks to her husband's lacklustre efforts - with his half-hearted lacking a "personal touch".

Instead of looking forward to their last as a couple before the expectant mother now feels disappointed, especially given that her siblings have already let her down over hosting arrangements.

At six months pregnant, she's now preparing to host Christmas for her family at her new home while her husband spends the day separately with his own family - as they have done for the duration of their eight-year Although they will be spending this time apart, she had been hoping for some sort of special gesture to mark the significance of this year's festivities.

According to this disheartened wife, gifts are her "love language" - something her husband is well aware of - and yet his present lacked any of the thought and consideration that would have lifted her spirits during what has already been a "tough" festive season.

READ MORE:

Taking to the unnamed woman wrote: "The 'gift' he left behind is just an envelope with a Christmas card and a printed voucher for a massage - midweek only, booked during a sale (I almost booked it myself). No wrapping, no personal touch, and clearly no thought about my availability or what I'd really like. Two clicks on the internet was his effort."

Reaching out to fellow Mumsnet users for their thoughts on the matter, she continued: "It hurts so much because this is our last Christmas before having a baby, and I was hoping for something special - something that made me feel seen and cared for.

"Instead, it feels like he’s just ticking a box. He's been busy doing things around the house, but honestly, that doesn't matter to me as much as being surprised or wowed occasionally. I feel like everyone has discarded me this year."

One sympathetic person advised: "So your husband is not good at presents (although he did get you something you like). Maybe he needs a list for next year. I have been married for many years. Our first year together I received a travel iron. Clearly bought on Christmas Eve when all the shops were about to close. I did not use it for 20 years. I learned that presents were not his thing - now my daughters buy stuff for him, and I get great presents.

"BUT he does stuff around the house - in my eyes, that makes him a treasure. I would nurture that strength and overlook him being less of a gift buyer. There are many who would be envious."

Another suggested, "Gifts might be your love language, but they will soon fall down the priority list if the jobs in the house aren't done. Or money is tight, as both have been too extravagant on gifts. Next year, agree on a budget, and if you want a surprise, don't point him to a particular gift."

Others were more baffled by the idea of spending Christmas apart every year for eight years, with a third person commenting: "I don't understand why a married couple would spend Christmas separately....... for eight years! I think that's a much bigger issue than an unsatisfactory present, to be honest."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: