I bought Aaron an MD player today. He’s been needing quite a few things, like his TV fixed, an aquarium, a new hard-drive, etc. so I thought I’d make it easier on him since his Discman just broke too. I’m not really sure what he’ll say though. I’ve learned a lot about gift giving within the last year, and I know that some people are very sensitive about it. A while ago, I never could have imagined someone refusing to accept a gift, unless there was a sinister purpose, such as a bribe. I always felt like it was rude if someone refused a legitimate gift.
I suppose it’s similar to the idea of hospitality. Can it ever be rude to refuse someone’s hospitality? Even if they spend an inordinate amount of time preparing for such a thing? I’ve come to the conclusion that it wouldn’t be rude to decline an offer of hospitality. After all, it is the responsibility of the host to make sure that the guest is comfortable. If the guest refuses hospitality for whatever reason, then that should be fine. The host should be happy with whatever the guest is happy with.
It’s only with this example that I’ve come to understand the gift-giving idea as well. If someone refuses to accept a gift from me, I would be fine with that. I simply want to make the person happy.
Which is why I’m not worried to give Aaron such a gift. I won’t be offended in any way, no matter what his reaction is.
I can’t wait.
A Gift Is Not A Comment
I bought Aaron an MD player today. He’s been needing quite a few things, like his TV fixed, an aquarium, a new hard-drive, etc. so I thought I’d make it easier on him since his Discman just broke too. I’m not really sure what he’ll say though. I’ve learned a lot about gift giving within the last year, and I know that some people are very sensitive about it. A while ago, I never could have imagined someone refusing to accept a gift, unless there was a sinister purpose, such as a bribe. I always felt like it was rude if someone refused a legitimate gift.
I suppose it’s similar to the idea of hospitality. Can it ever be rude to refuse someone’s hospitality? Even if they spend an inordinate amount of time preparing for such a thing? I’ve come to the conclusion that it wouldn’t be rude to decline an offer of hospitality. After all, it is the responsibility of the host to make sure that the guest is comfortable. If the guest refuses hospitality for whatever reason, then that should be fine. The host should be happy with whatever the guest is happy with.
It’s only with this example that I’ve come to understand the gift-giving idea as well. If someone refuses to accept a gift from me, I would be fine with that. I simply want to make the person happy.
Which is why I’m not worried to give Aaron such a gift. I won’t be offended in any way, no matter what his reaction is.
I can’t wait.