💡 Attaching Strings to Gifts (Issue 120)
It happens too often
When strings are attached to gifts, they are no longer “gifts.” They become a bribe, a down payment, or worse.
“I bought you this nice gift. What are you going to give me?”
“If I do this for you, you’re going to owe me one later.”
“I made this nice gift for you. I can’t believe you never called to thank me or talk to me.”
“If I buy you this, here’s what I expect in return.”
“Hey, I bought you a nice dinner. I thought you would…”
I’ve had this happen to me before. I immediately handed the gift back to the person and said, “Keep it. I didn’t realize you were going to use it against me.”
Gifts should be given because you want to, it makes you feel good, and you don’t expect anything in return. That’s the nature of a true gift.
Now, I’m not saying you should stay in a relationship with someone who takes advantage of you. I think we’ve all experienced that.
The friend who always lets you pay for lunch, but never returns the favor.
The person who always expects you to help them, but never helps you.
The partner who never seems to remember your birthday or celebrate you.
That’s a different issue, and it’s something you’ll need to address at some point.
But true gift-giving should never come with strings. Don’t let someone try to play that game with you.
I’m Larry Cornett, a Freedom Coach who works with you to optimize your career, business, and life. My mission is to help you become a more "Invincible You" so you can live your life on your terms instead of being controlled by someone else's rules. My wife and I live in Northern California near Lake Tahoe.
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