My friends have been giving me a lecture about materialism. It supposedly pisses them off that I buy presents for friends and they keep saying I can give them something more or something else. When I tell them I'm not basing friendships on what I gifts I receive or give to a person, they ask me then what does the gift represent? What DO gifts represent? If it does represent anything other than a gesture, appreciation for the receiver, or simply celebrating another year one has lived his/her life. I need some unbias opinions as my friends all have their mind set on bias ways of thinking and reasoning, such as, "if the present represents nothing, then why even buy one when you can give them something else?" So tell me your thoughts. What is the meaning and representation of gift giving? Does it make you a materialistic person?
2006-09-11 07:07:40 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
There is nothing wrong with buying gifts. It does not make you materialistic. What you should be careful of is buying generic, impersonal gifts, like gift certificates, or some movie everyone wants.
Gifts mean you were thinking about the person and you care about them. The value of a gift isn't it's monetary value, but the time spent looking for just the right thing, and the size of the smile on the recipient's face when they get something that suits them perfectly. I often find it very hard to find the right gift for people's birthdays, which is why I sometimes buy them months in advance when I see the right thing. Gifts don't need to be given for birthdays or special occasions. They are given because you've found something you know the other person will love. You want to show them how much you care about them and how well you know them that you can chose such a good gift.
Good luck. And don't anyone tell you that you're materialistic because you care. It is the opposite of being materialistic.
2006-09-11 11:00:26 · answer #1 · answered by Magina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your friends think or analise things too much, either that or they like to winge alot and feel they have the right to dictate to you. Reading into your letter i would imagine it pisses them off when you spend alot on a present for someone, and then they feel pressured into spending alot as well which they don't want to as they are tight.
Which i suppose is there perogitve to be tight with money, but it doesent mean they should stop you buying someone a nice present if you want to. So it doesent make you materialistic it just makes you generous. Is being materialistic that bad anyway? it doesent hurt anyone else? id rather be materialistic than a person who gets delight in putting others down all the time.
2006-09-11 14:36:41 · answer #2 · answered by baz75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift giving does NOT make you materialistic. You have the right to give a person a gift of YOUR choice. Tell your friends to get a damn grip.
2006-09-11 14:13:12 · answer #3 · answered by Mean Carleen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What else is it that your friends want you to give them? I think gift giving is an expression of generosity and thoughtfulness but, if your friends have expressed a wish that you not do this then I would respect their wishes.
2006-09-11 14:23:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋