Real-life MMD: Should I secretly switch my husband's Shreddies to save cash?

Former_MSE_Debs

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I secretly switch my husband's Shreddies to save cash?

We're trying to cut back, so have been doing Martin’s Downshift Challenge. When my husband refused to eat own-brand Shreddies because he "knew" he didn't like them, I switched the bags inside the boxes and wasn't surprised to find he didn't notice. I was planning a big reveal to show it's just brand snobbery, but I know he'll feel duped and refuse them on principle. Should I keep fooling him to save cash?


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double_mummy

ask him to do a blind test and pick the one he likes better stick the brand on the bottom of each one and then go with the one he likes the better in the blind test if he picks the expensive ones just switch them anyway

lauh88

Is it really worth saving the extra pound or so for the arguments it could cause? I think it's a bit unfair to deny him this if it's something he enjoys.

Are there areas in your life you could save the same amount? Maybe show him what you're willing to scrimp on yourself so he knows you're making sacrifices too!

[Deleted User]

lauh88 wrote: »

I think it's a bit unfair to deny him this if it's something he enjoys.

But he's proven that he doesn't "enjoy" the branded one any more than the cheaper ones? So surely it's not denying him them?

kboss2010

IMO he's just being a brand snob. If he can't tell the difference and telling him would cause an argument, then just keep doing what you're doing. If at any point he mentions that he's going off them because they don't taste the same then just switch them back.

Fredula

I would just carry on giving him the unbranded ones. Why pay more when he's none the wiser?

pwharley

Why not try it the other way around?

Put Shreddies inside an own-brand box and implore him to try them "Just once, dear?".

If he still says he doesn't like them, you can expose them as the "real thing" and see his reaction!!

If he says "They're OK", you've won! Buy the own-brand thereafter.


(PS I like Shreddies, but I find the own-brands perfectly acceptable. If Shreddies are on offer, I buy them; otherwise I buy the store brand.)

scotsbob

Seems very strange to deliberately give your loved one something he said he doesn't like.
Also seems strange to deliberately deceive a loved one.

No wonder the divorce rate is so high.

Lynzog

Personally, I'm wondering if you have thought about the poor grannies that knit Shreddies?! It's more as they pay them a bit better for all the knitting that they do.

sparky0138

Similar thing happened with my dad who sounds exactly like the OP's husband. My mum's stopped drinking coffee but had some Coffee Mate left. I made him a cup of tea the other day using Coffee Mate instead of milk. He never noticed. Afterwards I told him mum wanted him to use the Coffee Mate up when he had tea. He refused on principle saying it wouldn't taste the same. Told him he'd already drunk it without noticing and he still refuses to use it up.

To the OP, I'd say continue swapping the bags.

clemmenza

Wow... I don't normally reply to things like this... I would never recommend lying to a loved one, however, if you're really that worried about his reaction... Perhaps it's best to keep this one under your hat. Or tell him he can do the shopping!!
I would expect a five year old to feel cheated and sad, but not a fully grown man.....