How to Act Happy and Surprised about an Unwanted Gift

The holiday season just ended, and a lot of gifts were exchanged. We all tried to put smiles on the faces of our loved ones and even give to charity organizations. Most times, we got the gifts we always dreamed of but at other times, we received what we term "unwanted" gifts.

Here is a scenario: It was Christmas and I wanted to get a gift for this girl. We had been friends for a while now and I felt I should get something for her to show that I appreciate our friendship. I went into the mall and spent about 3 hours trying to figure out the perfect gift to get her, then I stumbled upon this attractive necklace. Wow! Which girl wouldn't love a necklace! I paid for it even though it cost more than I budgeted.

Dressed in a very nice attire, I set out for her house to present the gift to her. Well, to cut the long story short, she just looked straight into my eyes and said "If the necklace was a little bit shorter, I would have loved it". I felt pretty drained of all my energy and just turned back and left for my house. She did not even say "thank you", she did not appreciate it. It was a very sad experience. She later called to apologize but it was too late, the damage had been done.

There is no use denying it. It happens to us all at one point or the other, we receive gifts which were not really right for us at those times. How do we then accept these unwanted gifts without hurting the feelings of the giver? Learning how to act happy and surprised when we receive unwanted gifts is something we really ought to do. I will try to show us how.

Gifts are acts of love and nobody gives us gifts with the intention of causing disharmony but to bring happiness. Whenever we receive gifts from friends, relations or colleagues, we are to show appreciation. It is much easier showing appreciation for a gift you love so much than showing appreciation for an unwanted gift, but we still need to learn to be appreciative.

The most precious part of a gift is not the material itself but the love and devotion that had created it. We can't love or need every gift we receive, but we should learn to look beyond the gifts and see the meaning behind it. Love the giver at all times and show it even if the gift is an unwanted one.

Graciously accept the gift and let the giver KNOW that you appreciate the love shared. We have to recognize that we can't control everything and in this case, we can't control the gifts people give us. My advice is that we don't spend a lot of mental energy being offended about the gift we received.

Appreciate the thought that went into it and the gift-giving spirit. Not everyone receives gifts so for someone to think of you and get a gift, you should really be grateful.

1. Jump up quick: This works any time, even if you were already standing. It gives the giver the feeling that you are excited. Most times, this is done before even opening the gift so you show the giver that you appreciate them.

2. Smile: You can look at them and smile. Well, you can also add an exclamation like "Oh my God"

3. Grab it and open: Now collect or grab in excitement, the gift and tear it open.

All these happened while you had no idea what the gift was but now that you have opened it, don't change your mood even if it is an unwanted gift. What then do you do? Act HAPPY!

1. Smile: Smiling helps you feel better and loosen up. It is also contagious; it makes others around you smile also.

2. Watch your posture: Don't make it that obvious by looking down and dejected. Stand or sit straight.

3. Show appreciation: Tell the person how beautiful the gift is and never forget to say "thank you", it is very important.

The essence of all this is to guard against hurting their feelings. We all love to be appreciated. We all love to hear the words "Thank You". Another important note: even after showing your appreciation to the giver, you can also send a follow-up note saying Thank You. This would show the giver that you really appreciate the gesture.

I believe our guiding principle should be "Do unto others what you want them to do to you". Following this would make us act and behave better. Don't ever forget to show appreciation no matter how "unwanted" the gifts may be.