I asked for a Butterfinger once as a kid and for the next 30 something years, my parents treated it like it was my favorite candy of all time (hint: it’s not).
I’m guilty of the other way. I really don’t know what else my mother is into nowadays, but since she raised me on Star Trek, I usually just get her Star Trek shit.
The thing is, she loves it every time. Or claims to.
Maybe casually ask her sometime if she needs anything? Listen when she expresses interest in a random gadget, piece of cloth, etc? Notice when she gets frustrated with a task that a tool can help with, or that you can volunteer to manage?
People usually buy gifts they would like, and its so nice she loves it still, but I’d bet she’d be extra happy with a surprise.
My folks do this. If I say I like something, I’m getting that for Christmas for the next decade
I asked for a Butterfinger once as a kid and for the next 30 something years, my parents treated it like it was my favorite candy of all time (hint: it’s not).
my mother is somehow the opposite, if i say i don’t want something she’ll always and without fail ask me “since when do you hate [thing]”
Not arguing you’re wrong, but I’ve been witness to the other side of that sort of conversation.
The item was ketchup. Always needed to have ketchup. Then:
Child: “I hate ketchup!”
Mom: "What do you mean? You put ketchup on everything.’
Child: “I’ve never used ketchup. I’ve always hated it.”
[Jump forward a few years]
Child: “Where’s my ketchup?”
Mom: “I thought you hated ketchup?”
Child: “Since when? I use ketchup all the time.”
As the dad, I’m tempted to point out that mom doesn’t need help losing her mind, but as the dad, I also know better than to be involved.
Kids can be maddening. Mine has reflexively started saying the opposite of what they mean when asked a yes or no question.
I’m guilty of the other way. I really don’t know what else my mother is into nowadays, but since she raised me on Star Trek, I usually just get her Star Trek shit.
The thing is, she loves it every time. Or claims to.
Maybe casually ask her sometime if she needs anything? Listen when she expresses interest in a random gadget, piece of cloth, etc? Notice when she gets frustrated with a task that a tool can help with, or that you can volunteer to manage?
People usually buy gifts they would like, and its so nice she loves it still, but I’d bet she’d be extra happy with a surprise.