Interested to hear if there are any different views on this subject/situation I have.

My wife wants to me to attend my sons friends birthday party with her this Saturday. Now this year I’ve started playing football Saturdays (soccer) again, I’ve played semi-professional most of my adult life and toned it down due to the birth of my boy. He’s now 3!

I did make the rule that if the family needed me for something important or we are away on holiday then I will miss out.

However she is claiming that it’s unfair of me to not attend with her as it will be awkward for her socially not knowing other parents. She’s saying that I’m selfish for not wanting to be there with her and my son.

My response is that, there’s no way this is an obligation for me to attend. It’s not a family issue, this is pure for her selfish needs of wanting me to hold her hand at a social event she may find uncomfortable.

It just so happens to fall on the “Football Night Out” day of the year too, so if I don’t go then I’m missing out on bonding with other men etc.

I’m right in thinking that I shouldn’t bend over and be the white knight for her here? Or am I failing to be the Oak for her and my son? Do I need to lead the family? In any circumstance, if it was your wife, what would your response be?