Girlfriends family

[Mike J]

24 minutes ago, hk blues said:

It is - at least that's what my wife's family said when I asked them for one!

 

Most humorous post I have read in a long time. 

[Tommy T.]

47 minutes ago, BrettGC said:

Edit:  I think it should be remembered that the reason many of us are with Filipinas is that they have such strong family values which aren't so common in the West anymore and a part of that can be, and often is, supporting the family to varying extents.  

Second Edit:  I may be lucky in that as far as I can see, I'm not considered a mobile ATM by most of the family.  As for the "asking" for gifts, yep, agree, that is actually pretty rude from my perspective. 

Agreed.... My personal family essentially disappeared a few years ago... Lots to be said about the strong family ties in this culture here that we don't share so much at least in USA. But I still don't like the asking for gifts culture... just doesn't wash with me... I will give, but don't like to be coerced or asked for it...

[Viking]

Where's my gift?

If I received a peso every time I got that question, I would be a rich man today!

Usually my reply to this question is,

How should I know that, you must keep track of your own stuff!

I also agree with what others have said, I find it extremely rude when people are telling me that they want a gift from me!

I decide who will get a gift, and I give to people I like and to those who deserve it. I also find it very strange that I so often get this question from people I never seen before!!!

[Dave Hounddriver]

13 hours ago, conwat said:

Definitely can't afford to support an entire Filipino family so the boot has to stay down.

I knew the Scots were tight, but an (some nationality) who won't buy a Christmas present for his lady's parents.  I think you have them beat!

How about you give your lady a little pocket money and tell her she can buy a gift for her parents from the two of you?

[Mike J]

1 hour ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

I knew the Scots were tight, but an (some nationality) who won't buy a Christmas present for his lady's parents.  I think you have them beat!

How about you give your lady a little pocket money and tell her she can buy a gift for her parents from the two of you?

I have to agree.  After all you are sleeping with the ladies daughter.   That kind of makes her almost your Mother-in-law. 

Edited December 20, 2022 by Mike J

[conwat]

1 hour ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

I knew the Scots were tight, but an (some nationality) who won't buy a Christmas present for his lady's parents.  I think you have them beat!

How about you give your lady a little pocket money and tell her she can buy a gift for her parents from the two of you?

If you read my previous posts Dave you'll see I do give her money each week. I just don't like being asked for presents. 

[Gator]

I just tell ppl I’m Buddhist and don’t do Christmas. So their gift will be my wish for Buddha’s blessing. 🤣. Peace. Love. Joy. 

[Dave Hounddriver]

16 minutes ago, conwat said:

I just don't like being asked for presents. 

I hear and agree with that, but one of the most common phrases I used to hear in December in Philippines was:  "Merry Christmas, Where's my gift?"  I imagine it is still like that.

[Snowy79]

I think I'm a rarity amongst the expats around me as her family don't expect any presents.  I don't even give my partner any allowance. I pay for the food, accommodation and groceries which includes her woman's things. I've explained to her I'm not buying affection as some of my mates do. I share what I have, my money is her money and when it's gone it's gone but I don't give away what I have. She's actually tighter on spending than me. 

She actually works and keeps every peso she earns which is up to her what she does with the money, usually supporting her family which is great. Her family don't ask for anything but she gives. 

I also noticed out of all my mates I'm also the only one who's partner does our own washing and cooking although I keep asking her to use the local laundrette. The others partners have officialy retired, some in their twenties and spend all day taking Instagram photos and partying with their friends. Not one looks loved up. 

It is a Filipino thing to ask for presents usually though. I've lost count of the times if I mention going somewhere the next thing from them is " bring me gift." Even a guy here who I send clients to which has made him a few thousand pesos had the neck to ask me to buy him wine for Xmas. I told my partner to tell him he's got a neck. He should be buying me the wine. 😁

[Jollygoodfellow]

2 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

I hear and agree with that, but one of the most common phrases I used to hear in December in Philippines was:  "Merry Christmas, Where's my gift?"  I imagine it is still like that.

Yes it is. People I hardly know ask for a gift at Christmas. I just say Im giving you same as last year, nothing.