I caught my husband's birthday betrayal on the Ring doorbell camera
Share and Follow

Dear Jane,

It was recently my birthday and, as a treat, my husband offered to make me a nice meal at home one night after work to celebrate.

I was thrilled – he doesn’t cook very often, so this was a big deal.

But that day, I got a notification on my phone that someone was at our front door and was shocked at what I saw on the doorbell camera footage.

My husband greeted a woman holding a colossal Uber Eats bag. It was way too much food for him to eat alone.

That’s when it hit me: he had ordered my birthday dinner to be delivered.

That evening, I got home to find a lavish meal displayed on the kitchen table. My husband was beaming proudly, insisting without flinching that he had spent a lot of time creating the meal.

In an effort to not ruin my special day, I just thanked him and enjoyed the food that he claimed he made.

Despite knowing he meant well on my birthday, his dishonesty has left me deeply upset and makes me question the sincerity of the person I married.

Should I tell him that I know he lied, or just let him think I bought it?

Sincerely,

Getting just desserts

International best-selling author Jane Green offers sage advice on readers' most burning issues in her agony aunt column

International best-selling author Jane Green offers sage advice on readers’ most burning issues in her agony aunt column

Dear Getting just desserts,

Forgive me, but you should get over it. 

Your husband clearly had the best of intentions, but was unable to live up to them, so he chose the next best option.

While he may have told you a white lie, it is ridiculous to hold it against him.

Who knows why he wasn’t able to cook. 

Perhaps he’s not good at cooking. Maybe something at work held him up, or it’s possible he did try to prepare something but ended up burning it.

What we do know is that he wanted to do something lovely for your birthday, and did so – even if it wasn’t to your liking. 

Griping over the fact that it wasn’t homemade, and that he did not tell you, is besides the point.

It’s not as if he forgot your birthday or had remembered and done nothing to make you feel special.

Life is where we look and I would try to reframe this narrative.

Instead of focusing on the fact that your husband lied, focus on the fact that he was trying to make you feel loved and special on your birthday.

Though, you should absolutely tell him that you know – more so as in jest rather than distaste. You can always gently rib him about his cooking skills and allow the two of you to laugh about this together.

Dear Jane,

I recently broke up with my long-term boyfriend after growing apart.

He was shattered – apparently, he hadn’t seen it coming.

The problem is, months ago, we booked a summer vacation to a beach resort, already paid for and nonrefundable.

We had both been looking forward to it, so he suggested that we still go on the trip despite calling it quits.

While it may sound strange, I’m considering going with him. After all, we ended on good terms and still care about each other, but I worry it might give him the wrong idea.

I’m concerned he will think there’s a chance we could get back together, which there is not.

Is it wrong to still go on the trip – that I partially paid for – and risk hurting his feelings?

Sincerely,

Guilt tripped

Jane’s Sunday Service

In so many ways, maintaining a friendship after a breakup is one of the hardest things to do. 

We need pain and anger to fully separate. But once we have moved through those emotions, the path can open up to becoming friends. 

People do manage it, and it is usually better for everyone’s wellbeing if a friendship, or at the very least a civil relationship, can be maintained. 

After all, this is someone you once cared for deeply, and who felt the same way about you. 

Dear Guilt tripped,

Going on a trip with your ex-boyfriend only sounds strange if you had a terrible break up and vowed never to see each other again.

We often think that breakups have to be acrimonious, but exes who grow apart, and decide they want different things in life, are often able to maintain lifelong friendships.

One of my close friends is someone I dated for a while in my twenties.

The fact that we briefly dated has never hindered our friendship and, to this day, I adore him.

The two of you must be on good terms if your ex is asking you to go on the trip.

I would, however, set some boundaries. 

Contact the hotel and ask for a room with two beds instead of just one, and have a serious conversation with your ex.

Tell him that you are delighted to remain friends and are looking forward to the trip together, but be clear about the reasons that pushed you apart – and that nothing romantic will happen between you. 

If he agrees and understands, the two of you might be able to have a lovely time.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
‘I was so startled’: Five Points worker recalls break-in as city moves to improve safety

Five Points Break-In Sparks Urgent Safety Overhaul: Employee Shares Shocking Experience

After a series of burglaries, business owners are expressing relief as a…
Fears 'violence will erupt' during Wills's Rio visit after 132 killed

Concerns Arise Over Potential Unrest Amid Prince William’s Rio Visit Following Recent Tragedy with 132 Casualties

In anticipation of Prince William’s upcoming visit to Rio de Janeiro, the…
Jurors convict Illinois deputy of killing Sonya Massey but can't agree on first-degree murder charge

Illinois Deputy Found Guilty in Sonya Massey Case; Jury Deadlocks on First-Degree Murder Charge

An Illinois jury has found a deputy guilty of second-degree murder in…
Hurricane Melissa: Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba pick up the pieces after storm's destruction

Hurricane Melissa: Recovery Efforts Underway in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba Following Devastating Impact

In Santiago de Cuba, the northern Caribbean is grappling with the aftermath…
Vestavia Hills Police Department clears package feared to be an explosive device that had been brought to the station

Vestavia Hills Police Safely Neutralize Suspicious Package at Station, Confirm No Explosive Threat

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WIAT) — The Vestavia Hills Police Department has successfully…
Hollywood producer sentenced in women's deaths also accused of rape by hero officer who died helping others

Hollywood Producer Faces New Rape Allegations from Late Hero Officer Amid Sentencing for Women’s Deaths

A Hollywood producer was sentenced on Wednesday for his involvement in the…
SNAP deadline may be last straw for shutdown, Fetterman says

Fetterman Warns: Looming SNAP Deadline Could Trigger Government Shutdown

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has issued a stern warning regarding the impending…
Trump directs Pentagon to start testing nuclear weapons

Trump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Weapons Testing: A Bold Shift in U.S. Defense Strategy

On Wednesday, President Trump declared that he has directed the Defense Department…