The season of giving is fast approaching, which means everyone is preparing their shopping lists for the gifts they have to buy. While gift-giving is lots of fun, it can also be a bit stressful. The stress doesn’t end there, though. Did you know that for some people, receiving a gift is a source of stress? Just as some people have a hard time accepting a compliment at face value, some people have a hard time accepting a gift without also feeling some anxiety.
Difficulty accepting a gift can be caused by a variety of reasons. Perhaps you don’t have a strong relationship with the giver, or perhaps the gift was extravagant for your relationship. Maybe you feel guilty for accepting a gift from someone who has a tight budget or for not being able to reciprocate yourself. If any of these emotions hit you when you receive a gift, consider these tips to help you react with graciousness.
Always say ‘thank you’: This might seem self-explanatory, but in these days of instant communication, people tend to forget this vital part of gift giving. Accept that giving a gift is a true token of appreciation or love from the gift giver. Then validate their sacrifice and the effort they put into selecting a gift for you. It’s the thought that counts.
Watch your face: Your facial expression will convey how you feel about receiving a gift. Make sure to avoid eye rolling, scowling or other negative expressions. Practice smiling when you open a gift even if you are sure it’s something you won’t like or wish the person hadn’t gone to the trouble.
Make a gift list: If you feel awkward receiving gifts, you might tend to tell loved ones that what they get you doesn’t matter or that you don’t need anything. This actually makes it harder for the people buying you a gift. If you know someone will be getting you a gift regardless of what you say, then make a list of things that you would actually enjoy or suggestions for donations to a favorite charity.
Write a thank you note: Thank you notes might seem like an antiquated notion — but they mean a lot. Creating a personalized card is a simple way to acknowledge the effort that your loved one put into selecting a gift for you. Even if you feel uncomfortable about receiving a gift, conveying appreciation should never make you uncomfortable.
Though you might never feel completely comfortable accepting a gift, with these tips you can make sure the gift giver knows how much you appreciate their efforts.