Simple Kindness: #15

GIVE GIFTS AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM GIVEN TO YOU

We know that gift-giving needs to be caring and personal. But, we can lose sight of this as we buy presents for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas, Hanukkah, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, and on and on.

We give some of these gifts with obvious love, but others without much emotional involvement. We need to remember, though, that each gift marks a special event for the recipient, and the way we offer our present can add or take away from the occasion and our own generosity. Whether we feel genuinely enthusiastic or not, for the short time it takes to give a gift, we need to act delighted to be with and honor the recipient.


REMINDERS

* Offer a gift out of generosity--no strings attached. Don't use presents to unfairly influence others or as a substitute for love, attention, time, or respect.

* Avoid choosing a gift simply because you would want it or because you think the recipient should have it. Be guided by what the person seems to really like, even if the item doesn't suit your taste.

* Select a present according to your means, not the economic level of the recipient. If you're too extravagant of too frugal, your gift may leave the recipient feeling guilty or resentful.

* Be satisfied with a simple "thank you". Don't look for strong or continued expressions of gratitude.

* If you haven't received a thank you note, don't automatically assume laziness or a lack of gratitude. The recipient may be appreciative but not disciplined enough to write, call, or may not have learned to make this a habit after receiving a gift.

SIMPLE KINDNESS= HOW TO BE KIND IN AN OFTEN RUDE WORLD