GifTeD aT GiFtiNg GiftS

I’ve always been an ardent fan of receiving gifts. Especially ones that were well thought of and, of course, those that I liked. On the other hand, giving gifts is not an alley I like walking down. I love thinking of the perfect one, spending hours shopping for the right accessories and then fretting over how to make and wrap it right down to the exact angle of the crease in the bow. But then to physically give it to its rightful owner is an impossible task. It’s the reaction I’m scared of.

Not the gift get-ter’s…but mine!

Each time I try to visualize the situation, I figure out the exact location, the exact time and even where each finger will be on the bag or box at the precise moment it’s opened. Then I look up into the expectant face and I run into a blank. What will that expression be and what should I do with it? There are so many awkward choices:

If it’s tears do you undermine your own effort and say “O Really! It’s nothing to cry over…it’s not that great. It’s the first thing that I saw so I bought it.” (shrugging shoulders only to find that you’ve ruined the moment by saying that and the person’s thinking damn! Why did I give her so much credit. So much for the effort!)

If it’s a “what-the-hell-is-this-I-hate-it” forced smile do you say “Ya it’s terrible isn’t it! I don’t even know why I bought it. Just throw it in the bin really…or give it away…whatever.” (shrugging shoulders but inside you want the person to vaporize into steam or even better spontaneously self-combust. You could use a little fireworks to cheer you up.)

And if it’s a semi-“you didn’t have to but thanks anyway coz I like it” look do you say “Hey sure. I thought of you when I saw it so I grabbed it.” (shrugging shoulders and sending telepathic messages: hint, hint, HINT! I could use a few of those just-for-the-heck of it gifts too.)

*Sigh*

I guess the best thing will always be to shove it into their hands and either push them out of the room/house/restaurant or make a made dash at 120kph in the other direction. Either way they can deal with their emotions and you can leave feeling…well…gifted!