I met a friend in October and we are very casual friends. I would rather not try and exchange gifts but he is telling me to look for a high back computer chair for myself. How do I say no to gifts at Christmas?
2007-12-08 14:57:14 · 14 answers · asked by ncgirl 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Let him know that you are still casual fiends and that you thank him but to give it a while before you start receiving gifts.
2007-12-08 15:11:23 · answer #1 · answered by gggggg 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I got my chair for less than $60 so it may not be an "expensive or extravagant" gift at all. Some people just get a lot of enjoyment out of giving gifts, it depends on how much time you have spent with this person. My definition of a casual friend is someone I stop to talk to if I see them on the street but dont go out with them at all. IF you are going out as a couple then IMO that elevates them to more than a casual friend, to a casual date - IF you are more involved than that -- and so on.
IF he is a casual date and you go out even once a week then I think a small present is not out of line. A warm pair of gloves or a nice scarf. Nothing personal - he probably knows you could use a chair, so I am assuming he has been in your home as an invited guest ....... and IMO that puts him in the "friend" category, but thats just me and I dont invite people into my home unless they are friends - 'cause I dont socialize much, dont do dinner parties etc.
2007-12-08 17:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by isotope2007 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd tell him, that while you appreciate his thoughtfulness,
you feel it's too early in your relationship to exchange gifts
just now. You can also add, that due to your budget, you need to restrict your gift giving to just the family. And that way, you won't over extend yourself like many do over the holidays.
If he's determined, tell him that you'd just as soon enjoy a
dinner out with him sometime without obligation, than to
accept a gift that would indicate some committment this soon.
Add that you are sure he understands your viewpoint, being
you haven't known each other long. And for now, you have
just a good friendship going. And leave it at that, since you
can't make it any clearer.
2007-12-08 18:31:37 · answer #3 · answered by Lynn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How about a bath lotion set nice pair of gloves There's a set of perfume by Shania Twain for $15 at Wal Mart a CD manicure set maybe even a Diary or journal or a Tee Shirt with saying on it or a large tote bag to put Leadership material in Have Fun
2016-04-08 02:47:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he wants to be more than a casual friend. Step lightly here unless that is something you might do. I say just tell him you are not exchanging gifts but thank you.
2007-12-09 01:28:25 · answer #5 · answered by Aloha_Ann 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is hard enough exchanging gifts with close personal friends. I would just tell him that it limited to family only and you feel uncomfortable accepting ot exchanging gifts at this time and suggest he donate to his favourite charity. Sounds to me like he wants to be more than a casual friend.
2007-12-08 15:11:32 · answer #6 · answered by Donna 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Be honest and tell him that you don't do it or can't afford it or that you only do it for family members. Honesty is the best. Surely he will understand. If he doesn't that will tell you a lot about him.
It could be that he is trying to move this friendship to another level by buying his way into it. I once had one date with a guy who brought a dozen red roses with babies breath in a real crystal vase on the first date ( the only date) When he brought me home he hinted about buying me some earrings by looking to see if my ears were pierced or not and asking me if I liked gold or silver jewelry. He wanted to stay all night that night and told me that I would not regret it if I let him stay. He told me that there is no way that I could not fall in love with someone who would be as good to me as he would prove to be. He had a lot of money. We never had a second date. I can't be bought.
2007-12-08 17:31:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is what you say I rather not exchange gifts, no buts,thank you so much the thought was so nice but we have just met and I think that is a little much....I would rather have a cup of coffee and some nice conversation. I leave it like that...if you rather not have coffee with him ...We can go !!
2007-12-08 15:45:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just tell him that you only exchange gifts with your family members and because of financial constraints it is necessary for you to NOT buy gifts for your friends! I am sure that you can find at least an ounce of truth in some of this!
CJ
2007-12-08 15:03:46 · answer #9 · answered by CJ 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Tell him you would rather he make a donation to charity. Although I tell people that, and they still give me gifts. I really don't need anything.
We adopt a family and donate gifts for the children and a meal for the family.
(**)
2007-12-08 22:02:50 · answer #10 · answered by Shmooks 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋