Washington designer’s relationship falls apart in two days, thanks to one unexpected ‘Christmas gift’
What are these men even thinking?
The “honeymoon phase” in relationships usually lasts at least a few weeks or even months. But for one D.C. woman, the reality of her new relationship set in before the first week was even over.
TikTok creator Kaitlin (@mackieavellian) is going viral after sharing why she ended a relationship just 48 hours after making it official. The catalyst? A trip to a Commanders game that turned into a confusing lesson in gift-giving logistics. The video has amassed over 10.7 million views. And it should be a reminder to every man that a planned date is the same thing as a thoughtful gift.
The ‘Commanders’ Christmas gift
Kaitlin explained that she was initially smitten with the 39-year-old man, who was proactive about planning dates. However, while they were on the Metro heading to a Commanders football game, he turned to her and said, “By the way, this is your Christmas gift.”
The problem? Kaitlin doesn’t like sports. While she felt a sense of gratitude for the experience, she was simultaneously disappointed that the first Christmas gift from her boyfriend was something that didn’t reflect her actual interests. “I looked into my future and I saw myself receiving an egg apron for my birthday when all I wanted to do was go to Greece,” she remarked. She also rebutted any prospective comments telling her “He was probably joking.”
The $300 Michelin-Star ‘bet’ proved he wasn’t joking about the Christmas gift
If you think the football tickets were just a misunderstanding, Kaitlin’s account of their second date provides a much more calculated revelation of the man’s financial habits. He challenged her to a “fun sexy bet” involving four questions. If she got even one wrong, she had to pay for a “really nice dinner.” So, Kaitlin said, “Oh game on.”
Since she was drinking, Kaitlin missed the fourth question, which she claimed was a “trick question.” But her man immediately went, “Oh, you have to take me to dinner.” And he followed through. The next day, he booked a reservation at a Michelin-star restaurant in D.C..
So, Kaitlin bought a new outfit, got her hair done, and went over to his apartment. “The whole time I’m thinking, ‘He’s not gonna make me pay for this date,’” she said in her video. Her man also kept emphasizing, “Hey, don’t worry, I’m not gonna order any drinks at the restaurant ’cause I don’t wanna rack up the bill.”
But despite his early emphasis, he held her to the bet, and Kaitlin ended up dropping over $300 on the date. This experience colored her view of the football tickets, making her realize he was likely just trying to “justify an expense” for something he wanted to do by labeling it her Christmas present.
The emotional labor required was not worth the relationship
Beyond the financial red flags, Kaitlin noted a significant lack of emotional awareness. She recalled instances where he would walk through apartment stairwells and let the door close directly in her face.
When she flagged the behavior, telling him it made her feel invisible, he fixed it. But Kaitlin realized the sheer volume of “crucial conversations” required for a two-week-old relationship was unsustainable.
“The older you get, the less patience you have for someone who… might never be able to get there and you might as well be alone.”
At 32, she felt that a man nearly 40 should already possess the ability to consider his partner’s emotional experience without needing a step-by-step manual.
A warning on the ‘Age Gap’ relationships
Kaitlin concluded her video with a pointed caution for young women regarding age gaps. She noted that her ex specifically avoided dating women his own age because he claimed they were “in a rush” to have children. Ironically, he was the one constantly talking about wanting to be a provider for a future family.
In reality, Kaitlin argues, some men avoid women their own age because those women have higher expectations for emotional provision. “More often than not, the other reason a man doesn’t wanna date a woman his own age is because she might ask more of him,” she stated.
Generosity in a relationship isn’t just about the bank account
Kaitlin’s story should remind everyone that being proactive about booking dates is not the same as being a good partner. A new romance shouldn’t involves constant “inner conflict” and paying $300 for a date the man chose.
We hope Kaitlin makes it to Greece next Christmas. Until then, if your man invites you to a football game and calls it your Christmas gift, make sure you don’t end up carrying the “egg apron” for the next forty years.
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