For many people, food is love. For me, and from my family, gift giving is love. It has created some issues with various friends and romantic relationships over the years.
My last boyfriend just did NOT understand this and his idea of giving a gift was writing a check. Granted it was substantial, but how much thought did THAT take?
Over the years, I learned from my mother and bought gifts throughout the year. Not only did it ease the pain at the "last minute", but I was able to get items on special whenever they were available for the right person at the right time.
One friend, who lives in CA, and whom I've known since we were teenagers, recently decided "no more gifts". Granted we both have everything we need - and if we don't, we go buy it for ourselves. But since most of the gift receiving is seeing what the giver thinks of me... what they think I'd like, what I'd find important or fun... the gifts become more than just things.
I have various gifts in the cupboard to be given away... Now I only have one person to give things to... I guess I have NOTHING to purchace for many years to come... I also have enough wrapping paper for the rest of the century.
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Comments: 15
I never expect anything back either and actually feel guilt and discomfort over getting gifts, have a problem shopping for myself too.
This year was a great eaxmple of why gift giving is special. My best friend visited last year and when we were out we passed a shop that is only in Chicago. I told her that I loved their stuff and bought it for several family and friends but never myself because it was pricey. Day before Christmas the prettiest package arrived, she got me a custom made piece done just the way only someone who knew me well would have done. I cried because it was such a passing comments that I forgot I even showed and told hr about it till I saw it and her note.
For me, the recipient, money is mire necessary than more possessions.