How we give or receive a gift is often a reflection of how we either express love or accept an expression of love. With the season of gift-giving and gift-receiving upon us, we thought it would be interesting to briefly explore this very human activity.
There isn’t a culture in history that hasn’t given gifts as an expression of love or appreciation. Throughout the centuries, the giving of gifts has both established connections and maintained them. Gifts let us communicate our love for someone, our feelings about them, our gratitude for their presence in our life. They allow us to say things we may not be able to say with words. If we’re the ones receiving a well-thought-out gift, we’re touched by the time and effort that went into the selection of that meaningful gift.
It’s widely recognized that there are different languages associated with how we both express love and receive those expressions. When your partner’s, or family member’s, love language is receiving gifts, a “visual symbol of love,” being thoughtful in your selection is important. Here are a few ideas to help ensure that the act of gift-giving is both valued by the receiver and enjoyed by the giver. And as always, feel free to reach out to our art consultants and let us assist you in selecting that perfect gift.
Think of the receiver. What would your gift-receiver give themself? You may have to ask some subtle or not so subtle questions, but the end result will be a gift that is tailor-made.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
― Winston S. Churchill
Remember why you’re giving the gift. Keeping those thoughts and feelings in mind will positively influence not only what you ultimately select, but will make the whole process more enjoyable.
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
Spend more on others than you spend on yourself. A study found that spending our money on others promotes our own happiness. So as you care for yourself, remember the benefits of generosity.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
― Anne Frank
SORREL SKY GALLERY 