Sent to sleep in the' dog house'., is that fair?

Let me create a few 'ripples' in this 'pool' of discussion here. Firstly, are'nt birth dates and anniversary dates just events in ones lives that can be commemorated at anytime convenient to both parties? Secondly, based on contrasting behaviors of many partners in relationships, I had no choice but to wonder where should the priority decisions made in the relationship ought to lie. For example, Should the priority decisions made in relationship be centered around the persons involved, instead of around the special events involving the said persons? Thirdly, in the original scenario presented, what should be the more significant factor/ element that ought to be used to sustain the relationship between partners: is it (1) having and enjoying the person in their life (who have forgotten to celebrate the significant date/event), or;(2) punishing the partner for forgetting to commemorate the celebration activity itself? Fourthly, I also submit that people are permitted to be angry, especially when hurt. However, why impose a 'separation mechanism' from each other because of failure to honor an activity such as forgetting to celebrate a 'mere' date? And another thing, why is it, that the woman is usually allowed to impose the penalty on her partner (including determining the length of the 'cooling off period)? Finally, I think that if there are issues to be resolved, why not perform as mature individuals and deal with them in an appropriate manner; instead of enacting punishment on the other partner in the the way described (as sleeping in the doghouse)? Have I 'rippled' the 'pool' enough for you? (Smile)

LOL... I'm not afraid of ripples... bring them on That's what conversation is about. Unless agreed upon in advance, I believe significant dates such as a birthday or a wedding anniversary should be commemorated on the correct day. These days are very important to some people and less important to others -- and any couple who has been together long enough to celebrate these occasions together should already be aware of their partner's feelings on the matter and conduct themselves accordingly. If a couple finds it more convenient to celebrate on a weekend instead of a week day, for example, that's perfect ok -- but it needs to be arranged as such. Forgetting the date and then trying to cover it up by saying it would be "more convenient" to do it another day is not ok. Anyway, in these days of technology being constantly at hand, there is simply no excuse for forgetting birthdays, anniversaries or any events, really. Everyone can have access to an electronic schedule or a day planner or some other organizational tool (including a white board on the fridge or post-it notes stuck to a mirror or monitor) so we make sure we schedule in these kinds of things. High-tech or low-tech, it's easy to keep track. Problem solved. No hurt feelings, no arguments, no doghouse

Hey Thinkingoutloud, you handled the ripples very well! You've shown me that perhaps, you are a great swimmer.(Smile) Anyway, you are correct in all of the points and counterpoints forwarded, as given the sensitivities of one's partner and with the proper use of available technologies, one should not forget to commemorate significant dates and anniversaries in the live of one's relationship. Good work.

Bigmoney25, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this matter. Indeed, there should be another less demeaning way to resolve an issue such as being forgetful (and/or failing to commemorate a special event that occurred during the life of the relationship) Mmm, I wonder, how would a woman react if she was placed in a similar situation- where she forgot a significant date- and her male partner decided to subject her to the same treatment as suggested by 'the essense' of this story presented for discussion? Would that approach solve anything?

I agree with you lifes97, that issues should be resolved in an amicable manner; without using that method- being used by many partners- in relationships. Everyday delay in resolving the issues may cause relationships to wain.., therefore it would be best to get together and fix them before its too late.