Birthday tomorrow and my parents insist on getting me something

  • Thread starter Thread starter JamesU
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feelings and expectations associated with receiving gifts for a birthday, particularly when the gifts are monetary rather than physical items. Participants explore the emotional implications of gift-giving and the significance of surprise versus practicality in presents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a sense of depression regarding the expectation of receiving money instead of a surprise gift, suggesting that the surprise aspect is a key part of the joy of receiving presents.
  • Another participant agrees that receiving money feels impersonal and reflects a lack of understanding from the gift-giver.
  • A different viewpoint is presented where a participant shares a preference for receiving money, highlighting the practicality of being able to choose their own gift later.
  • Suggestions are made for alternative ways to celebrate, such as having a party or making a donation, which could create more fulfilling memories than receiving cash.
  • One participant mentions a personal tradition of receiving pens as gifts, indicating that individual preferences for gifts can vary widely.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with some feeling that money as a gift is impersonal and others appreciating the flexibility it offers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to gift-giving and the emotional significance of different types of gifts.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and preferences, indicating that the emotional response to gift-giving can vary significantly based on individual values and traditions.

JamesU
Gold Member
Messages
828
Reaction score
3
it's my birthday tomorrow and my parents insist on getting me something. I really don't know what I want. I know I'll end up with money, so when I do think of something, I can buy it. I don't know why but it seems depressing... :confused: :frown:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
yomamma said:
it's my birthday tomorrow and my parents insist on getting me something. I really don't know what I want. I know I'll end up with money, so when I do think of something, I can buy it. I don't know why but it seems depressing... :confused: :frown:
I know it's not standard any more, but the thing that I always liked about presents was the surprise of finding out what it was. Getting money or an unwrapped gift just takes all the fun out of it.
 
Danger said:
I know it's not standard any more, but the thing that I always liked about presents was the surprise of finding out what it was. Getting money or an unwrapped gift just takes all the fun out of it.

I agree. It seems impersonal to just get money. My parents are the same way though, so I really do understand how depressing that can be.

Happy Birthday a bit early! I'll have to get the party smilies in here tomorrow to cheer you up!
 
Moonbear said:
Happy Birthday a bit early! I'll have to get the party smilies in here tomorrow to cheer you up!
:biggrin: that's always fun :biggrin:
 
Happy birthday, yomamma!
Have your parents spend the money on a party or an event (go out and have some family-fun) or make a donation in your name. Sounds like getting cash or something you're not really into right now will just be unfulfilling. Better to have a fun memory.
 
yomamma said:
it's my birthday tomorrow and my parents insist on getting me something. I really don't know what I want. I know I'll end up with money, so when I do think of something, I can buy it. I don't know why but it seems depressing... :confused: :frown:
Because the whole point of a gift is all about that they are thinking of you, and about you. Giving money means they don't know you very well.
 
I always preferred getting money. On my birthday, I loved getting the birthday cards with cash from my aunts. It was so thoughtful of them to remember me, plus I got to go out and get something I wanted, so it was like getting two gifts. :approve:
 
I always get a Pen for my birthday. Those things are precious.

I always give my Parents CDs for their birthday.
 

Similar threads

Parent/Child Genome Comparison: 100,000 Years Ago
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Sharing a birthday - what's wrong in my approach?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
MHB My Failed University Life: Addictions, Depression, and Uncertain Future
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Involuntary "upgrade" Windows Mail app to Outlook
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
"to pay by invoice or proforma"?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School The Probability of an Event
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Physics How do I make myself a better job candidate?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Programs Questions Regarding Undergrad REU Programs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
I think my parents have raised me wrong and it's backfired
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Stargazing What can I see with 10x50 binoculars in Bortle class 4?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K