Contents
- 1. Never give money
- 2. The value of the gift doesn’t matter.
- 3. Dear is not a gift, but attention
- 4. People generally prefer experiences over objects.
- 5. It is better for a busy person to give something that will save him time.
- 6. Wrap the gift
- 7. Complete the gift with a warm wish on a postcard
- 8. Give what you want to share
- 9. Pick the Right Moment
- 10. The best gift is a surprise
By tradition, many people prepare surprises for the New Year holidays for relatives and friends. Have you ever thought that this is one of the love languages, a way to show how we feel about each other. How to give meaningful and sincere presents, advises psychiatrist and philosopher Neil Barton.
Gifts can be given at any time of the year for any reason, the main thing is how we do it. There are ten rules for me.
1. Never give money
The donated money contains a message: “I have no time to think about you and guess desires, so get what you deserve and do with it what you want.”
2. The value of the gift doesn’t matter.
One day, a friend presented me with a signature recipe for my favorite dish, calligraphically written on a sheet of parchment, and offered to cook it together. The total cost is near zero. Nevertheless, it was one of the most touching and valuable gifts in life.
3. Dear is not a gift, but attention
It’s great to make wishes come true! A person can mention it in a conversation, or you yourself will notice how he looks at something for a long time or searches on the Internet. Hand over what he dreams of, but does not dare to buy for himself. You can choose something special, funny or original: a bright yellow fountain pen or a joint massage session.
4. People generally prefer experiences over objects.
Experiences, such as going to a concert, a spa session, or an extreme driving lesson, are a memorable gift, unlike things. Some things — rare books, fine wines — are also experiences, provided that they are chosen for a specific person.
5. It is better for a busy person to give something that will save him time.
A friend gave me an audio version of A History of the World in 100 Items. He expected me to be able to listen to her while driving, between business meetings. So instead of a waste of time, my trips became an exciting and rewarding experience.
6. Wrap the gift
Unrolling it is a ritual that pleases both the giver and the recipient. If the item fits in an envelope, wrap it. Choose packaging with meaning to emphasize your individuality: wrapping paper with butterflies for a nature lover, vintage cars for a car enthusiast. This suggests that you have spared no time and love, the act of giving is no less important than a gift.
7. Complete the gift with a warm wish on a postcard
You should not buy postcards with standard hackneyed signatures, come up with a wish yourself. Let it remind you of wonderful moments, strong affection, become an explanation for a gift or an expression of gratitude. You know how to write poetry, excellent.
If you have recently been to an interesting performance, read a fascinating book, or visited an unusual place, give a friend the opportunity to experience the same experience. This is how you make it clear that you value communication with this person and are glad to share the pleasure with him.
9. Pick the Right Moment
When both are in a good mood and there is enough time to slowly open the gift and rejoice together, for example, after dinner.
10. The best gift is a surprise
If you can’t arrange a surprise, still add a bit of a pleasant surprise, put it in a double package, make two gifts, where the first one is like a bait. As Voltaire said: «If God gave us life, let’s give ourselves the opportunity to live it well.»
Source: psychologytoday.com