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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/S_Laughter_Party on 2025-07-07 11:13:14+00:00.

Obligatory not today, but recent.

So, the other week, my parents went on an anniversary trip to a hot air balloon festival, as Dad has promised Mom a hot air balloon ride for a few years but things got in the way (broken bones, illness, dying cat, etc.).

They had a great time and while out there, Mom decided to visit a touristy antique shop by their hotel.

Mom finds some uranium glass on display and buys me a small bowl.

Its STUNNING. I love it so much, and couldn’t contain my excitement, especially when Dad pulled out the black light flashlight he just had laying around.

And thats where I fucked up.

The thing is, Mom historically does not gift very well. Everything isnthought out, and there is a logic to most of her gifts, but they’re almost always just a bit off the mark.

For example: I collect and regularly wear funky earrings, so she gets me some very elegant silver ones from Iceland with volcanic rock. Lovely, and definitely great for a special event, but not my usual Shinbari Torso, Where the Wild Things are, Rotary Phone, Silver Ax (weapon, not body spray), or Sour Night Crawlers vibe.

When they were road tripping she also got me some indigenous beaded jewelry. A set of massive pink starfish (I have a /known/ repulsion to most sea creatures, especially ones with tentacles) and a hand beaded pop socket in the shape of an alien head, which she forgot to take the tag off of ($50+). I don’t use pop sockets, but do like space/aliens/celestial shtuff.

She also got me a very delicate hand made Christmas ornament from Germany. We’re ALL Jewish (my partner included).

I’m not trying to brag about their funds, my parents are in their early 70s, retired, and like travel now that they aren’t supporting us. My Dad budgets tightly and they are extremely frugal the rest of the year.

When they’ve given me these things in the past, I’ve done the obligatory “Oh thanks, that’s lovey!”. Showing my appreciation for the thought, effort, amd cost behind the gifts, if not the actual gift itself, as is polite.

The problem is, I literally could not hide how much I liked this little green bowl.

Now she knows the other gifts were not as appreciated and I’m pretty sure I hurt her feelings, as she hasn’t talked to me since (we usually chat/check in every few days).

I know I will probably have to approach it eventually, but its an awkward situation, especially with her wounded pride.

TLDR: Mom got me a really cool gift, I enthusiastically showed my appreciation, which directly contrasts how much I didn’t really like previous gifts, where I was appreciative for the sake of politeness.