When people ask me what do I want for such-and-such occasion the answer is always the same – nothing. I don’t want any presents, gift cards or cash. Do not spend hours in the mall lovingly picking something for me- I will not like it. I can buy something for myself; it will be exactly what I want and I will probably get a better deal. As always no one listens to me and I end up uncomfortably smiling and thanking the presenter for the “best (whatever item) I have ever seen”. Sooner or later the “best item ever” finds its way to a donation pile or a garage sale. Several times in the past people who gave me presents decided to follow up and ask me if I am still using their special whatever. Since I probably don’t have it and long forgot about the present, the presenter and the occasion it was given to me on, I am forced to come up with some b.s. cover story while cursing myself for not refusing the present at the first time. I am not sure if I am alone in this. Lets find out.
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I liked your available answers this time around. Following up on a present is acceptable. Not good, not something to be encouraged, but perfectly acceptable. When you feign delight at accepting a gift, you run the risk of being too convincing. Your later social embarrassment is a predictable result of that original half-hearted social deceit.
That said, I’ve found that having a kid is an excellent source of excuses for why some object is missing. Where did the toddler put that thing? Oh yeah, it broke and didn’t glue together right. Just like having a spouse can get you out of social engagements (we sometimes offer to be the bad guy for each other, you see).
You big bah-humbugger! You’re pretty funny Meesha. I enjoy your posts.
It all makes sense now. you never asked if I enjoyed my red lobster prize package. FYI, I framed it as my first writing award. I dont eat fish.
Ooooh. Now I know what I’m getting you for Christmas*!!!
*Yes, I know your religion/ethnicity/whatever doesn’t recognize Christmas. That makes it even funnier!
My religion/ethnicity/whatever recogmizes free stuff when it sees it.
I bet if I bought you a Costco membership for a year, you’d keep it and remember it…alas…I won’t be buying you a Costco membership. Hey..they actually have Costco membership gift cards in the drugs etc dept., but then you already know that.