Receiving a Gift That Doesn't Suit You
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
United States
August 2, 2012 8:23pm CST
My dear friend of 35 years always tries to remember my birthday. Sometimes she is a month early, sometimes a day or two, or not at all. But I take it in stride because I do the same!
Well this year she summons me to her home and presents me with a beautiful shirt that has a butterfly on the front and the back is a lace butterfly. It really was pretty. When I got home and put it on and found that it really didn't suit me at all!
I asked her to take it back and she could wear it. She said no, it was mine. So I pondered what to do with this shirt. Lately if I have something in my closet that I no longer wear I bring it to the Goodwill. But this shirt is really pretty.
So after a little thinking I decided I would make a lovely toss pillow for our bedroom. I am a crafty person so I have no doubt that I can make it into a pillow.
Have you ever received a gift that really isn't your style? Did you tell the person who gave you the gift that it wasn't something you'd keep? If you did keep it, what did you do with it?
3 people like this
6 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
3 Aug 12
Yes I have, but I'd be too afraid to tell them it wasn't my style. Not unless it was a family member, then I'd tell them. A friend, no matter how close, I just couldn't tell them. I usually would keep it - but never wear it.
I'm no good with repurposing.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
3 Aug 12
I have given things away and not told the person who gave me the gift. But when asked if I ever wear it I stumble over my tongue and because I cannot tell a lie, I let them know. I think it is worse in the long run not to say anything.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
4 Aug 12
Oh dear! That must have been a hard thing for you to do but am glad that you had a wonderful idea of what to do with the gift. I couldn't say anything I am afraid. I would have smiled and kept quiet as I do not want to hurt people. But, I do admire the way that you handled this awkward situation. Regretfully, if the inject is something like hand cream or body wash that I am allergic too then I am guilty of re-gifting:( blessings
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
5 Aug 12
I have actually decided to hang on to the shirt and try to lose 10 more pounds. Maybe after that it will fit me differently. Not entirely sure though. It is low cut in both the back and the front.
@BarBaraPrz (47683)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3 Aug 12
I have a friend who constantly gives me things I don't want. You'd think that after knowing me for six years, she'd have a better grasp of my tastes/wants.
I've even made suggestions, like, "If you really feel the need to give me something, how about a set of drill bits?" What does she do? Gets me a cordless drill kit. I already have a corded drill, and find the cordless ones too awkward to use what with that big battery on it. I made her take it back.
And I still haven't gotten a new set of drill bits.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
5 Aug 12
This is so like my friend. She never gifts me clothing or jewelry that I would wear. Not that it isn't fashionable. It is just that her tastes and mine greatly differ. We have known each other for over 40 years.
@love4kolkata (279)
• India
3 Aug 12
Actually lot of time!!! As a present most of the people will buy those stuffs, which they think will suit me. They don't actually think about my choice. In that case, most of the time, the gifts doesn't suit me and also my choice. But when I cant tell them about my disliking or I want to return them. Because I just try to visualize that when they are presenting a gift, they are giving it because of their love and affection. So rejection becomes impossible. What I do is, I try to wear it when I am visiting them and not anytime else. And after some days, I wear at home. For other stuffs I keep at home / rarely use them.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
3 Aug 12
Things are just things. If I don't like something I am not going to keep it hanging around to collect dust and stare me in the face. I would rather someone else have the opportunity to own it.
1 person likes this
@kenshin2143 (1880)
• Philippines
3 Aug 12
I have this cousin from abroad who had given me a shoes that I do not like. The shoes was pretty comfortable and very cool however the color was not that pleasant to my interest for it is red. Even if I do not like it, I am still planning on keeping it and maybe sell it to somebody who's interested in that particular shoes. Inspite of those things, I am still thankful to her for giving me such.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
3 Aug 12
Oh I thanked her. I actually like the shirt she gave me. But, it isn't something I would actually wear.
@Raine38 (12389)
• United States
3 Aug 12
I once received a pair of dangling earrings from a friend for my birthday. She has been staying in another country for the past 10 years or so that's why her gift is extra special. But unfortunately, I can't wear it. It isn't my style and it was uncomfortable. It is indeed very pretty but it something I really can't use. I don't want to offend her, and I know sooner or later she will ask me if I've worn it. Since it has a very intricate pattern and design, I decided to frame it and label it with the date it was given to me. I told her I can't wear it but I find it really special and I showed it to her. At first she was sad that I wasn't able to wear it but she's overjoyed when she saw how it was mounted on a frame.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
3 Aug 12
It is clear that my friends taste and what she thinks is mine are far apart! She gave me a nice pair of butterfly earrings. They were huge. I have them hanging on a necklace that was given me by another friend. It is draped across my vanity mirror.
