I have a problem with a broken Christmas promise. My girlfriend and I agreed that since money was tight, we would not buy gifts for each other. We would purchase gifts for family. Children, parents, siblings. But we would only buy for others. Not for us. Then my girlfriend bought me an iPod Touch. While I certainly love the gift I feel that I should now buy her something, even though she insists that I do not. I'm thinking that since the agreement was broken (granted with love) I have the right to purchase her a gift. (With love) But OTOH, would that be loving, or tit for tat? Am I overthinking this? Is it a given that I get her a gift? Or should I just accept my gift and leave it alone, and in my mind maybe be missing some signal of some sort? While money is tight, it isn't so bad that I couldn't get her something. It doesn't have to be the same amount, but I'd feel like crap if I didn't get her a gift now. Help!
posted by Splunge on Dec 25, 2009 - 51 answers

What poetry has brought you comfort after a breakup? [more inside]
posted by yaymukund on Dec 10, 2009 - 27 answers

How can I make it easier for my boyfriend to contact me more often while we are long-distance? [more inside]
posted by eleanna on Dec 2, 2009 - 25 answers

I'm a young, "straight-acting", alternative guy who is tired of being single. Help me find a boyfriend! [more inside]
posted by mosherdan on Nov 5, 2009 - 23 answers

My girlfriend is extremely outgoing while I enjoy quite evenings at home. How do we keep both sides happy and satisfied? [more inside]
posted by Sentus on Oct 25, 2009 - 22 answers

Relationship filter: He's an Austrian in Austria, I'm an American in America, and I have ADHD/Inattentive type. He's not familiar with this concept. What books can I suggest to him? [more inside]
posted by bilabial on Oct 18, 2009 - 7 answers

I'd like to hear stories or comments from others who have slept with their exes. [more inside]
posted by bananaskin on Oct 17, 2009 - 28 answers

How do you date someone in another country? [more inside]
posted by KimikoPi on Sep 3, 2009 - 7 answers

Recommend a good Boston Metro Relationship/Marriage Therapist/Counselor? [more inside]
posted by kryptonik on Aug 27, 2009 - 6 answers

What do you do when one partner likes to make advance plans and the other likes to be spontaneous, in a relationship? [more inside]
posted by CatherineK on Aug 25, 2009 - 26 answers

How accurate are the media portrayals of young people engaging in risky sexual behaviors? [more inside]
posted by reenum on Jul 8, 2009 - 54 answers

All of my friends are single and I'm not. How to relate again? [more inside]
posted by CatherineK on Jun 8, 2009 - 7 answers

Any recommendations for a helpful mental health practitioner person in the area of Portland, Oregon? After a few stressful months of medication issues, my boyfriend and I have lost a lot of faith in our psychiatrist, and are looking for additional forms of help and advice, whether a therapist, counselor, or even just a different psychiatrist. [more inside]
posted by brisquette on May 21, 2009 - 7 answers

What music has helped you get through a breakup? [more inside]
posted by E-Boogie on Mar 27, 2009 - 67 answers

My wife is a devout christian and I'm increasingly becoming a non-believer. Should I tell her? [more inside]
posted by mchow on Mar 15, 2009 - 42 answers

I'd like advice on how to overcome my fear of disapproval from others. It manifests itself as lack of confidence/assertiveness, self-consciousness, anxiety and fear of not being good enough. Looking for all kinds of techniques, suggestions. [more inside]
posted by richar4 on Mar 8, 2009 - 16 answers

Good online game for LDR? [more inside]
posted by emptyinside on Mar 2, 2009 - 8 answers

I've just accepted to go for lunch with my ex-girlfriend. I called her a couple of weeks ago to let her know that I still some of her belongings that I'd like to give back to her - and while she's emailed, called and texted me since then to meet up I've declined to scheduling issues. I'm meeting her tomorrow. And now I'm beginning to question if the lunch part was prudent on my part. I've just really tried to live my life since we split in such a way that does not constitute any element of her ...and I'm proud to say I've done that. I've no more feelings left for her. Just respect, great memories and the thoughts of what 'could have been'. That's it.
posted by sniperantics on Feb 12, 2009 - 15 answers

Am-I-An-AssholeFilter: Was it "inappropriate" for me to ask my friend to go for a walk? [more inside]
posted by *s on Nov 14, 2008 - 37 answers

He loves me. He says I'm teaching him how to be happy. He says I'm adorable. He says I'm precious. He encourages me to try new things and is proud of me when I do. He's grateful when I do the same and lets me know that. He says everything is wonderful. ....So why does he think we should break up? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos on Jul 14, 2008 - 45 answers

How to nicely but firmly tell someone I am completely and totally uninterested romantically and at this point, pretty averse to friendship, too? [more inside]
posted by Phire on Jun 16, 2008 - 27 answers

There are gay bars, lesbian bars, and leather bars. Are there "geek bars"? In geek culture, what institution, meeting, or whatever serves the purpose that "meat market" single bars do amongst the non-geeky populace? [more inside]
posted by WCityMike on Dec 17, 2007 - 50 answers

What is it like being on a PGCE course? (More specifically, Secondary Music and either Cambridge or Bristol) [more inside]
posted by Lotto on May 1, 2007 - 4 answers

It's time for my boyfriend's birthday and I need clothing advice. [more inside]
posted by nadawi on Apr 23, 2006 - 28 answers