It’s the thought behind the gift, not how much it cost that should matter. Though, at the same time, the actual price of the present can reveal how much you matter to a loved one… especially if you also know how much they’re shelling out for their friends and colleagues.

One redditor, who goes by the username u/MerryChristmasAA, shared how she found out what her husband got for her for Xmas this year. She also uncovered all of the gifts that he bought for everyone else. And the difference between them, at least financially, was very vast. One thing led to another and the couple got into a huge argument.

The wife got called “an ungrateful, spoiled brat” and turned to the AITA subreddit for a verdict on who was right and wrong in this situation. Scroll down for the full story, dear Pandas. And when you’re done reading, let us know in the comments who you think was being a jerk in this situation.

A couple got into a heated argument over Christmas presents

Image credits: Ketut Subiyanto (not the actual photo)

The wife was very upset that her husband spent tons of money on his friends this Xmas but didn’t respect her enough to do the same for her

The redditor shared how her husband got her a $20 spoon set, all the while getting lavish and expensive gifts for his friends and coworkers. Overall, he spent over $5,000 on these presents. Naturally, the love of his life got upset that she was regarded as inferior to everyone else. She was also mad that she spent quite a lot of time, effort, and money planning all of her gifts for him.

The story got over 17.3k upvotes in two days on the AITA online community. Most readers thought that the husband was clearly at fault here and that the wife’s reaction was fine.

Whoever was right or wrong, nobody enjoys arguing with their partner. Relationship expert Alex Scot explained to me earlier that couples need to get past the so-called “post-argument hangover” and reconnect. Physical closeness, playfulness, as well as having time to yourself from time to time can all be ways to improve the relationship when things are getting rocky.

“I recommend physical touch in the form of a hug or a 6-second kiss, the reason for this is co-regulation,” the expert told Bored Panda.

“[Co-regulation is] how we self soothe as infants; a baby cries and a caregiver comes to cuddle and soothe the baby. As adults, co-regulation is very powerful and something we can use to our advantage. So even though you may not feel like hugging or kissing your partner post-argument, as soon as you can bring yourself to do so, go for it. Your nervous system will thank you as it regulates with your partner’s nervous system by sensing their heart rate and breathing,” she went into more detail.

Alex also noted that she believes the old adage that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ is also something that we should keep in mind. We need some time alone in our day-to-day lives.

“When we take time to ourselves, we are meeting our own needs, feeling autonomous, and it allows us time to miss our partner. Without regular alone time within our relationships, we can become drained and even resentful,” she explained to Bored Panda.

“For some reason, we step into adulthood, get into long-term relationships and believe we must ‘adult’ now and get serious, which leads us to denying ourselves of playtime. To get that spark back, go do something new together, play a game together, or revisit a nostalgic spot or activity.”

Here’s how people reacted when they learned the husband got his wife such a cheap gift

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