Some people put quite a lot of effort into choosing the best gift for their loved one, as, no matter how big or small, a thoughtful present is likely to be a well-received one.
This redditor wasn’t too happy with what her boyfriend got her for Christmas, though. To make matters worse, his behavior on Christmas day was arguably even worse than the gift itself, which eventually led to the woman ending the relationship.
Bored Panda has reached out to the OP and she was kind enough to answer a few of our questions. You will find her thoughts in the text below.
Personalized or thoughtful gifts can really make the recipient feel special
Image credits: Lore Schodts / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
This redditor wasn’t too happy with the Christmas gift she got from her boyfriend, but his behavior made the day even worse
Image credits: Kateryna Hliznitsova / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Sonyachny / Envato Elements (not the actual photo)
Image credits: cottonbro studio / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: leungchopan / Envato Elements (not the actual photo)
Image credits: cottonbro studio / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: twinsterphoto / Envato Elements (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Jealous-Cycle-2318
After receiving her gift, the OP felt disrespected and used by her partner
The OP shared with Bored Panda that the thing that upset her the most was feeling disrespected by her partner in the overall sense. “I'm perfectly fine dating someone who makes significantly less money, but he treated me like I deserved the leftovers of his respect, energy, and affection.
“He could have baked a small cake or made a pendant—both within his talents—and I would have been way over the moon,” the redditor said, suggesting that he could have gotten her something affordable yet more personal than the gift she received. She added that even a pajama or an ugly Christmas sweater would have been better, truth be told.
The woman admitted feeling used, too, because her partner could always count on her but couldn’t be bothered to set some time aside to get her something meaningful. “To be honest, the more material gifts or favors—helping in any way—he got from me, the more distant he became. This is why I felt used; it's like he didn't need to pursue me anymore.”
The OP told Bored Panda that she didn’t expect the huge response her story received from the online community. “I just came to Reddit to express my aggravation and confusion because I was being gaslighted but I never expected so much support.
“This has made a huge difference,” she said, adding that reading through the comments helped her realize that she should block her ex-boyfriend's siblings, who have started calling her from unfamiliar numbers.
One of the best ways to ensure the recipient enjoys their gift is focusing it on their personal interests
It’s safe to say that an excellent gift often involves a great deal of consideration. The gift giver might want to think about the receiver’s hobbies, taste (be it food, clothing, music, or else), wishes and feelings, among other things, as taking all of this into account can help choose something they would sincerely enjoy.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift for it to be a special one or to bring joy to the person on the receiving end; something useful—like a pair of AirPods, for instance, which the OP got for her boyfriend—can surely do the trick. “Price doesn’t play any impact on how people enjoy something,” celebrity stylist and personal shopper Sam Spector told The Wirecutter when discussing what makes an excellent gift. “It truly is the thought that counts.”
Spector seconded the idea that taking the recipient’s interests into consideration is a good way to go about Christmas presents; but it’s important not to overdo it. “I love following themes. I think that’s a great way to gift-give,” the expert shared, pointing out that a runner, for instance, might enjoy some new gear. (But that doesn’t mean that all gifts from now on should only be focused on their love for running.)
Personal gifts can strengthen people’s relationships
Surveys reveal that a personal gift is something the majority of Americans would choose over an expensive one. A study from 2021 found that 62% of respondents would be happier with something of a high sentimental rather than monetary value, with gifts that are considered heartfelt and personalized topping the list.
According to award-winning author and behavioral ecologist Caitlin O'Connell, personal gifts that symbolize affection and knowledge of others can strengthen people’s relationships. “A gift shows our appreciation in a lasting way, as a reminder that inspires continued connection,” she suggested in Psychology Today.
“The goals of any gift <...> are to be a reminder of our relationships, to express our appreciation to someone by showing that we are thinking about them, and to solidify our commitment to that relationship and its future,” the expert wrote.
After the gift the OP received from her boyfriend and the way he responded to her efforts of creating a festive mood, the woman saw no future in the relationship and decided to end it. Such a decision was seemingly met with support from fellow redditors, who didn’t refrain from sharing their opinions on the boyfriend and the situation in the comments.
Netizens shared their views in the comments, the OP was not the person the majority of them considered a jerk in the situation
