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Different people express their love, affection, and kindness in different ways.

The important part is that they find some way to show you that they care about you.

When that someone is their own mother, it can feel like youre directly competing with your in-laws.

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Redditor u/Ecstatic-Air-840 went viral online after asking the Relationship Advice online community forhelpwith a sensitive question.

Some people appreciate gifts a ton and also love giving others presents in return.

Others look like their fight-flight-or-freeze response kicks in when they have to buy or make presents.

Couple exchanging gifts by the Christmas tree, featuring “mommy’s boy” theme and sparking evident relationship tension.

But gift-giving is like any other skill: you’ve got the option to improve it.

That being said, you also shouldnt feel like youre forced to behave in ways that make you unhappy.

There might be other ways that you show your love.

Text image about relationship issues caused by unequal gift-giving between partner and mother.

While gifts are arguably the most tangible approach, they dont mean everything.

Chapmanarguesthat there are a handful of main ways that people express and experience emotional affection.

One of these is receiving gifts, including surprises, which makes the person feel the most loved.

Text about a “mommy’s boy” discussing the challenges of parental relationships and partner resentment.

Other people yearn for more physical touch, whether thats hugging or deeper intimacy.

Still others value quality time the most, where their partner gives them their undivided attention.

The final love language revolves around compliments and spoken and written appreciation: words of affirmation.

Text about making oatmeal-chia-banana bread for someone who didn’t eat it, relating to partner resentment.

There are no right or wrong ways to feel loved here.

But you do need to be aware of how you and your partners lifestyles and characters match up.

Maybe on an anniversary dinner, affection makes you feel special.

Text describing tension as a boyfriend is distant after interaction involving his mother.

Avoid being defensive or judgmental and just focus on honesty.

Happy and healthy relationships require constant check-ins so you know youre on the same page.

In short, if something really bothers you, speak up.

Text about a partner’s honesty sparking resentment over gift concerns with his mother.

Otherwise, your needs will continue to be unmet.

Its awkward and embarrassing at the start, but its necessary.

What advice would you give the author of the online story, dear Pandas?

Woman in a red shirt looking contemplative after receiving a disappointing gift from her partner.

How do you think she should tackle this situation?

Have you ever found yourself competing for your partners attention with their family members or friends?

Check out the results:

Text discussing frustration over partner prioritizing mother’s opinions in gift-giving.

Image of text recounting a distant dinner interaction that caused resentment, highlighting gift-giving issues with a mother’s boy.

Text about a mother claiming to be the reason for her son’s breakup, highlighting relationship resentment.

Text describing resentment due to boyfriend giving better gifts to his mother than to his partner.

Hands exchanging a gift box, highlighting resentment in partner relationships due to gifting prioritization.

Text about a man buying an expensive gift for his mom and a less thoughtful gift for his partner.

Text discussing millionaire parents gifting jewelry or cars.

Boyfriend gives identical gifts to partner and sister, but luxury jewelry to mother.

Text about miscarriage and emotional pain in a relationship, mentioning an unsatisfactory gift comparison.

A couple with their dog on a cozy couch, Christmas decorations in the background, reflecting tension in gifting dynamics.

Woman expressing resentment to her partner, sparking a tense discussion over an unequal gift exchange.

Discussion highlighting resentment over gifts due to partner prioritizing his mother.

Discussion highlighting resentment over gift-giving imbalance between partner and mother.

Reddit comments discussing relationship issues with a mommy’s boy, highlighting conflict and resentment.

Text exchange about adding fruit to banana bread; mentions an “almond mom” preferring nutrient-rich banana bread.

Discussion about gift-giving dynamics in family relationships, featuring comments from 1MorningLightMTN and Ecstatic-Air-840.

Reddit conversation discussing resentment due to unequal gift-giving preferences between a partner and a mother.

Text post discussing relationship issues and resentment due to gift-giving between partner and mother.

Text from an online forum discussing resentment over a bad gift given by a mommy’s boy.

Reddit comment about a mommy’s boy prioritizing his mom over his partner, causing relationship issues.

Comment discussing relationship advice regarding a boyfriend’s mom interference.

Reddit comment criticizing a “mommy’s boy” for giving his partner a worse gift than his mother.

User comment expressing frustration about a partner favoring his mother over significant other, discussing relationship dynamics.

Comment on dealing with a narcissist mom and counseling advice.

Comment on a post about a gift causing resentment, with user suggesting to “Run.

Text discussing gift-giving issues in relationships, focusing on a partner’s preference for his mother over his romantic partner.

Comment discussing resentment about a partner prioritizing his mother over a gift.

Text conversation about a mommy’s boy causing partner resentment over a gift choice, highlighting relationship dynamics.

“Comment highlights resentment over unequal gift-giving favoring mom.

Reddit comment criticizing a mommy’s boy for prioritizing his mom over his partner.

Comment discussing resentment over gift choices related to a mother’s and partner’s gifts.

Comment about partner’s mom being a lifelong issue in a relationship, highlighting family dynamics.