After reading the gift I found it interesting how people feel obligated to give a gift just the same as someone would feel obligated to receive it. The notion that refusing a gift being "an act of war" is a bit harsh but I can see how the action could offend someone. In my own family it is customary to keep a gift once it is given to you. It is offensive if you ask for a gift receipt or attempt to exchange an item for something you really need or want. When I have my own family I plan to stop this non-sense. As long as an individual gets what they really need or want thats all that matters because to me the giving and receiving gifts is not the real importance as much as the fellowship of my family and friends is.
But is the gift free? I would have to say no. At the time it is received yes it is very much so but to the person giving the gift they expect that down the line the act be returned in their favor. Some examples include birthdays, fathers/ mothers days, christmas and any "once in a lifetime" occasions such as graduations and weddings. To believe a gift is free is an illusion because gift giving is a cycle just the same as gift receiving. One day it will be you turn to give a gift to you friend then a few months down the road it will be your turn to receive a gift from that very same friend.
One ritual that I despise in all of this mess is the practice of purchasing cards for an individual. Why is this necessary? It is only necessary if you are not going to see the individual because they are out of the country or live in another state. If you are going to a birthday party and set a card on a table with your gift the giving act becomes a bit redundant. But thats only me because I feed the Hallmark machine as little as possible.
If you are thinking that my poor girlfriend won't be receiving a card on Sweetest Day then you are correct. But fear not I have something up my sleeve for the occasion, I have to, around the same time is our anniversary. After which I'll be looking forward to Christmas. .wink.
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