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Originally Posted by TOY  Granted this is my first GE but I have had secret pals in other settings before and have had a career of guiding kids in their giving gifts to the person whose name they've drawn.
My theory in giving gifts and receiving gifts from others is quite simple. Realize that you are not going to get the gift of your wildest dreams...it simply isn't possible with financial limitations. Likewise, you are not going to be giving your person the gift of their fantasy. Once you "accept" that philosophy, you are freed to enjoy the process of both giving and receiving.
I think of it more as a chance to spread a little sunshine in someone's daily life. The thrill of the gift is primarily the surprise. It's that unexpected random gift of kindness that makes the impression not the cost of the gift nor even its uniqueness.
I've never gone into any secret pal type experience expecting to be blown away with what I received. As an adult with my own income, I pretty much buy what I want whenever I want it. I suspect most of us do regardless of our finanacial status or the state of the economy.
The true excitement and fun in any of these type activities I have done has been in the planning and plotting to "make someone's day." I've truly better understood the adage that it's more blessed to give than to receive when I've participated in something like this GE.
When I first saw the lists I must admit I did a double take but then I realized that we are all strangers to each other. In any other situation, we would know things about each other just from general contact. Here we rely on a few likes/dislikes shared in writing with no facial expressions or tone/inflection to offset the words.
I have no doubt that anyone participating will be gracious and thankful in what they receive. I base that expectation on the fact that we are all adults. I hope that it encourages us to "play it forward" in other aspects of our lives by doing unexpected, nice surprises for others. Therein lies the true value of an experience like this... |
You have a way w/words...
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Originally Posted by Wabbit I was actually only speaking OF ONE person that I thought was being unnecessarily rude...LOL (emilyann)
Sorry that all you others took my comment personal!!
About the Hint threads...who cares...do it ...don't do it...what's the big deal really? Takes too much effort to overlook them??? LOL
I think the reason this thread had bothered me..is that the ones being the most critical aren't even participating....And (Chattiesmom....I was never referring to you) so I ask again......while not joining the GE......why sit around talking about everything you don't like about it?
If you don't like it...don't join...but it still feels like people are raining on our parade... now I'm starting to think I don't want anything to do with the dang thing myself.....
Thanks.  |
Oh no! Tammy, you mustn't...what if you get Mimi & me?
A huge deciding factor of donating to YT was just so I can participate in the GE. Yes, please just overlook posts & threads you dislike...that's what I do...makes life simple.
