SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Dori’s Christmas dilemma

Dec 11, 2012, 12:55 PM | Updated: 3:13 pm

Christmas is a time of giving. But if your spouse wants a gift that requires your participation, ar...

Christmas is a time of giving. But if your spouse wants a gift that requires your participation, are you obligated to cooperate? (AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

Dori has a major Christmas dilemma: his wife wants ballroom dance lessons for Christmas. Of course, she expects Dori to accompany her if he gives her this gift.

Many years ago Dori and his wife decided that they have enough “stuff” and want to give each other new, fun experiences. One year, Dori’s wife got him an hour in the batting cage with none-other than Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.

“My wife has done wonderful, wonderful things for me for Christmas,” says Dori. “So the one thing she wants for Christmas this year – I would have to be involved in the execution of this gift: she wants ballroom dancing classes.”

Dori argues that because he has no free time he should be exempted from getting his wife exactly what she wants for Christmas. He’s also ruled out getting the classes for his wife and asking her to take a friend.

“I’m not going to turn her loose with one of those ballroom dancing guys,” says Dori. “I’ve seen those guys, with their tight pants and their creepy pencil-thin mustaches!”

Additionally, Dori objects to taking dance classes because he thinks that he’ll never have an occasion to use his skills.

Dori says it boils down to fairness. Is it fair to ask for a gift and expect the giver to participate?

News anchor Maura Gallucci thinks that spouses should be on board with interactive gifts. She and her husband have taken dance and tai chi together and had a good time.

The consensus on the show was that Dori should just do it, but he’s still trying to figure out how to get out of this gift. Now he wants you to decide. Is it fair to ask for a gift if the giver has to be part of that gift?

What you’re saying on Facebook:

Laurin Von Krueger: hahaha, happy wife, happy life I suggest you participate

Gunnar Mein: Heck yes. Suck it up, Dori. And with a good attitude, too.

Allen Williams: Sounds like it’s time for a stunt double husband.

Kathryn Smith: I KNEW that’s what you were going to say. Easy stuff. Probably 6 lessons over 4-6 weeks. Very doable. And I’m betting you’ve got some moves. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Can’t you picture it? Kevin James doing the sprinkler and the pizza dough…

Andy Sytsma: You did the dance thing at safeco field for the mariner game in front of thousands! So you would rather do that then not learn dance with your wife?! Comeon man!!!

Sunny M. Glory: Dori this is the woman who gave you 3 beautiful girls, and washes your smelly socks.

Jason Osborne: You might like it Dori. Don’t you want to be a good example to your kids?

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Dori’s Christmas dilemma