What will YOU say this year if you receive an unexpected gift?
You think you don’t have a gift to give back?
YES, you do!
It doesn’t have to be an awkward moment!
I was shopping in a trendy kitchen store filled with the latest and greatest ideas for making life simpler and I happened upon a little something that would be perfect for my friend that I planned to have lunch with the following week.
She and I don’t usually exchange gifts, but I knew this gadget would
I decided to buy it because I knew she would love it!
Consider 2 Different Scenarios
On lunch day, I tucked the gift into my oversized purse and went out the door, excited to have our time together. Once our food was ordered, I retrieved the little gift from my sack, smiled in anticipation, and said, “I bought you something.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to!”
Huh? I knew I didn’t have to!
I did it because I love her. I thought I was being thoughtful, and I wanted to see her face light up with a smile!
Have to? I don’t do anything I don’t want to do. I didn’t have to do that, and I knew I didn’t have to.
I felt deflated. “Please, just open it,” I said.
Once opened, she was thrilled with the gift, as I knew she would be!
“Thank you,” she said, hugged me, and repeated, “You didn’t have to.”
In defense, I said, “I know. I just wanted you to have it.”
What If It Had Gone Like THIS Instead:
“I bought you something.”
With surprise, my friend exclaimed, “What! Thank you! How thoughtful of you!”
I told her, “I know we don’t usually exchange gifts, but this just seemed to have your name all over it. I saw it and just wanted you to have it.”
My friend made me feel good when she said, “Thank you for thinking of me!”And, when she opened the gift, she DID love it! She told me so several times!
So, what will YOU say this year if you receive an unexpected gift?
Can you GIVE your smile and gratitude in return? Can you just let the gift giver know that he or she was thoughtful?
You may have an opportunity to make someone feel loved. Isn’t that what it’s really all about?
What are your thoughts on unexpected gifts?
Have you been a recipient of an unexpected gift? How did you handle it?
Have you ever said, “you didn’t have to”? Might it be better to just offer your gift of gratitude in return next time?
What a great blog we should all try this one year I think it would be a great idea I myself think Christmas has got out of hand with all the gifts and things that we buy everyone. I am going to talk with my family this year after Christmas and maybe this is something we can do next year. We all need to help someone or family less fortunate . Keep up the good work Kathryn you do a great job.
Thank you, Pat! Let me know what your family has to say on this subject!
This is good food for thought. Most of us have the mindset that we need to reciprocate; we are focusing on “what can I give in return?!” instead of enjoying the moment and conveying our gratitude. Thank you for making us think.
I love it. Being grateful is the gift that keeps on giving. Throughout the year being grateful is a most precious gift. I will be more mindful in my thoughts, words and actions. Thank you!!
Thanks for your comment, Clara! I love that… the gift that keeps on giving!