Receiving a gift is most of the time a lovely experience. However, there are rare occasions when receiving a gift might make you feel rather awkward. Perhaps you didn’t expect to get anything at that moment, or the gift was an item that you don’t normally use or even like.
So you’ve got something. What’s next?
Receive gift gracefully every time. I list a few tips below.
1. Be Present
Receive a gift with open hands and heart. Put your mind on the gift and the giver. Be there and own the moment.
2. Thank Genuinely
Even when a gift wouldn’t work for you, thank genuinely. The giver had spent time in searching and considering your preferences. She or he had invested time and even feelings, getting excited or nervous about the gift.
3. Take Time
Examine the gift and read the greeting card that came with it. A personalized message took time to write and a greeting card often didn’t get enough attention.
4. Hear the Story
Each gift has a story. Find out whether the pair of gloves was handmade, ask where was the cute jewelry from. Be curious, listen when the giver tells the reasons behind the choice.
5. Embrace the joy
Someone obviously had thought about you and spent time to find the gift. He might have to squeeze time in between the rush working hours, get through the traffic jam or terrible weather, to ensure you get the gift on time. You are in his mind. Embrace the fact, you are one lucky soul!
6. Feel Grateful
If the gift didn’t put anyone in a negative situation financially or else, just feel grateful in receiving. A gift swap and you forgot to bring something? Don’t feel bad. Negative feeling would make you react rather unpleasantly and say things you didn’t want to say.
7. Keep it Properly
Take the utmost care of your new property right after receiving it. Place it where you usually display the nicest objects. If it’s something easily wearable like jewelry or a scarf, try it on if possible.
8. Positivism
If any form of awkward feeling crawled in your heart, just remember that someday, somewhere, someone had to rush, think, re-think, spend (or create or write) to give you a gift. Feel happy!
9. Embrace the Art of Receiving
Show that you care. Invite your friend for coffee or give a handwritten thank you card to express your genuine appreciation. Life is so beautiful with people who really care about you.
Giving back can be as simple as giving a warm, genuine hug. Make a truthfully nice comment about the gift such as ‘I can see your effort and time in this, I really appreciate it!’
When you embrace the art of receiving, you embrace the art of giving… The art of giving back.
Share any gift receiving tips or experience you have on the comment box below.
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