Iowahippiechick

Have you ever really thought about the answer?  Really?

It isn’t as easy to answer honestly as one might think.  Because in reality there are several motivators for gift giving.  Including:

1. Reciprocation
2. To express positive feelings
3. Maintaining power and prestige
4. Establishing security
5. Promoting self-interest
6. Expressing hostility

Interesting isn’t it?

Who knew there was so much psychology involved in giving & receiving?

Who I am as a gift giver has changed over the years.  Honestly … I know I’ve been motivated by all six on the list during my life. 

I know when I was a young newlywed - insecurity led me to give from a motivation of establishing security when it involved Craig’s family.  Think outsider (me) trying to fit in with them (my in laws.) 

Looking back, I can also see that when my sister’s kids were small, I gave to them from a motivator of power and prestige.  I was the cool aunt and I wanted to maintain that title and place in their lives.  So I spent more money on them than I know I should have - isn’t that just silly?

But it’s sort of interesting reflecting on my gift giving past.  Now that I’m a bit older my motivation for gift giving has simplified.  It’s to express positive feelings - plain & simple.  

Have you ever thought about your motivations for gift giving?

dawn @ iowahippiechick

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