[Moneyguy1]

Why is it, if you purchase a gift for a woman it has to be an impractical item such as jewelery, but when they buy for us guys, it is always socks or ties?

She NEEDS a new kitchen, but that would be practical and out of the question as a gift, she WANTS diamonds; they are impractical but to her, more desirable. You have cash for one or the other. What do you do?

You, on the other hand, could really use that new router table or drill press. Either one, you ain't fussy. What do you get? a gift certificate for a men's clothiers. Ain't that just dandy.....

Your wife's decision was for a gift that pleases her alone rather than one that both of you could enjoy. Simple as that. I don't see that as a negotiation at all. You may not survive to see the time you actually get to cash in on her promise, life is unpredictable and too short to waste on vague "promises". Worse, is when the deal is phrased "If you love me, then...." which is a conditional form of love. That is not love at all; it is a form of control.

I may be misunderstanding the situation, and if so, forgive me. Just speaking as one who thinks that both genders have to give a lot in a truly successful two sided relationship.