Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Lifestyle

An Open Letter From Someone Who Genuinely Does Not Like Receiving Gifts

I'm not trying to be difficult or ungrateful, I just express love and gratitude in a very different way.

Rachel Chalkley

Nov 28, 2016

Christopher Newport University

1975

An Open Letter From Someone Who Genuinely Does Not Like Receiving Gifts

Flickr

To every person who has ever asked me, or ever will ask me, what I want for my birthday/Christmas,

I am not trying to be modest or blow you off when I say, “I don't need anything,” or, “I just want your love/friendship”. It's not that I think you're going to get me a bad gift or that I’m trying my hardest to be “difficult”. I really am overwhelmingly flattered and sincerely do appreciate both the gesture and the thought, but I genuinely just do not enjoy receiving gifts, especially large gifts.

To put it simply, and in the terms of author Gary D. Chapman, receiving gifts are not my "love language". I will give them all day long and even go above and beyond for those that are very close to me, but receiving gifts are an entirely different story. When someone gives me a gift, I have no idea how to act after the obligatory, “Thank you SO much!” It really, and truly, is an anxiety field day. Do I open it right there? What happens if I don't like it? What happens if I DO like it? Do they want to keep the wrapping paper? Do I want to keep the wrapping paper? There are just too many questions and not nearly enough time to answer them during the 30 seconds it takes to unwrap a gift. Oh, and don't even get me started on if I don't get someone a gift but they give me one. That's what nightmares are made of.

Furthermore, I like buying things for myself; I enjoy earning the items that I have and the services that I enjoy. If I'm given something I feel haven't earned, I become very uncomfortable and even guilty because I just don't consider myself deserving of it. This applies to more than just gifts - this even applies to a friend or family member paying for my meal at a restaurant.

This isn't to say that I will not accept your gift if you give it to me. That's ridiculously rude and not who I am at all. I sincerely do appreciate that you are sharing your love language with me. I just ask that you understand my side as the receiver and the things that go through my mind. I don't need expensive gifts to know that you love me. I'd be overjoyed if all you got me was a handmade card and a pair of socks.

Thanks for understanding, and Happy Holidays!

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

LaGrange College

1862

Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority life

Entertainment

10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break

You've gotta do something.

Grand Canyon University

1022

Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

must watch

Student Life

If Disney Princesses Went To Benedictine College

They would fit right in

Benedictine College

1726

The Odyssey

Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less

disney princesses

Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

Truman State University

1833

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less

last semester

Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

University of Dayton

1409

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."