IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

I love my husband he is sweet, thoughtful, and truly tries to make me happy. But for our anniversary, he gave me a necklace that is genuinely hideous. Like not just not my style… I mean jaw-droppingly bad. The pendant is hug, the chain pinches me, and its not the right color metal. He was so proud of it and said how he thought it “reminded him of me.” Now I’m panicking because I know he’s going to expect me to wear it, and I don’t want to hurt his feelings. But I also can’t fake loving something this ugly forever. How do I navigate this without crushing him. How do I handle this with grace or maybe is there an excuse not to wear it?

Oh girl, this is so real. I feel like its a right of passage to receive at least one bad piece of jewelry in a relationship! 

 First off, let’s just take a second to appreciate how sweet it is that your man tried. The thought was there. The execution maybe not so much. And now you’re stuck in that awkward place where you're flattered he thought of you... but low key offended he thought that brutal necklace reminded him of you. Not to mention how it doesn’t match your other pieces. Your feelings are definitely valid. I know it feels mean, but it is okay if a gift is not your taste. Theres respectful ways to proceed!

Here’s the deal: you’ve got options. If this is a one-off situation and he doesn’t regularly go rogue with your style, you can probably get away with grinning and bearing it occasionally. Wear it once or twice for dinner or around the house, then slowly let it retire. Blame sensitive skin, "The chain irritates my neck", a clasp that won’t stay shut, or honestly just wait until he gets you a new necklace for some other holiday and glaze him for that one so he forgets about this one. 

If you think this is going to become a trend—like you’ll be receiving a new terrible relic every holiday—then it’s time for some soft truth-telling. Try: “I love that you thought of me when you picked this out, it’s such a unique piece! You know my style’s a little more minimal though, right?” That way, you affirm the sentiment without encouraging future fashion fails. You’re not ungrateful—you’re just have a specific style, and there’s nothing wrong with gently steering your man towards that style. Respectfully, of course. 

Whether you choose to wear it once in a while to make him happy, or gently explain that its not your favorite, make sure to always show gratitude and try not to tease him too much about it if the truth does come out. Best of luck moving forward! Remember, its just a necklace. Your relationship is full of love and that is what really matters! Xo