Being One-Upped By an Ex

I have an ex. I have a son. The ex continues to get my son the same thing he has at my house. It always seems to be the "fun" thing that my son talks about. What's the joy in being a one-upper when you KNOW it's hurtful? 

This all started with my son obsessing over a go-kart. I had a conversation with the ex and it was agreed upon that I would gift the go-kart to my son. The gift was a group effort because I didn't have the ability to buy that along with groceries and  normal life but the group gift made it even more special because we could share it together.

My son goes to his dad's house days later and the very same go-kart is waiting for him.

All of a sudden, the special feeling of having the go-kart with me had been taken away.

I got over it (eventually) and life continued. There were things here and there but I brushed it off thinking that having the same thing at both houses would provide comfort.  It was things like me buying an inexpensive tablet but his dad buying an iPad. I get a big Lego set and he gets two at his dad's house. That sort of thing. Whatever, no big deal. It's just what works for each budget.

Then, just days ago, I'm talking to my son on FaceTime and he told me that he was playing Madden NFL 17 on his new XBox One. It's kind of "crazy" because my little guy was just playing on our X Box One (not purchased for my son - it was already in the house). Coincidence? It's not.

Frustrating? Yes.

Hurtful? Absolutely.

This isn't just an "ex" thing, though. This happens with a lot of us. It's friends, co-workers and even parents.