"I can't help it. I'm a greedy slob. It's my hobby."

[woodwardiocom]

-With the above quote from Daffy Duck, I venture into a discussion of gifts. Jen/anotherjen wants to know what kind of romantic presents I like. This is tricky because, as near as I can tell, what I really really want for any kind of gift is something from one of my registries, preferably as expensive as possible.

-Yeah, I know, that's kinda awful. I think it indicates that what I really appreciate is knowing that people are listening to me. It's probably just me being neurotic, but I occasionally feel that words come out of my mouth and are instantly swallowed by the air. So when I say, "This is what I want," and someone gets me what I want, it's gratifying. Communication took place. I exist and am heard.

(A friend who's into model kits tells the story of carefully specifying to his parents which kits he wanted, each Xmas. Three years in a row, they got him the same unwanted Space Shuttle kit. Though my parents always paid more attention than that, for some reason the story still strikes a chord in me.)

-I know other people have different preferences for gifts. Gifts that are surprises, gifts that have personal resonance, gifts that are handmade. And, y'know, I appreciate those gifts, truly. But I also like to know that people listen.

(And I will continue to think about this, particularly re: romantic gifts. Further updates as events warrant.)

Comments

[rainjen.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean. In my opinion, the most romantic gift says "I was paying attention".

gifting

[(Anonymous)]

Very interesting- I think this compulsion to be given something you asked for must be rooted in your childhood. Just lie back and tell me everything...
Seriously, I think a better gift is something which your friends/family/loved ones give you which they figured out *on their own* you wanted-- and this is the important point-- which you didn't ask for and maybe didn't know you wanted. For example, I am planning on giving you something for Xmas which fits into that category, cuz, ya know, I rock! ---Nat Woodward, brother

[hawkegirl.livejournal.com]

There's something to be said for knowing what you want, and knowing what you're not going to get yourself, even if you want it because it's out of your current budget or something. Random gifts can be so hit or miss, but when you've got a list of somethings you clearly want, I think it's totally reasonable to think that's a great place to get you a gift from.

The expensive as possible bit seems kind of crass to me, however it's probably true, and even probably true for me too if I want to be really honest (though I'd probably never say so directly). Not that inexpensive gifts are less valued, but sometimes getting something really super big you want that was unexpected and you never would of gotten yourself has it's own luster.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

The expensive as possible bit seems kind of crass to me...

-It felt crass while I was saying it, but if I've got faults, greed is definitely among them. Might as well be forthright about it.

Where's the first cruise aheadin' Cap'n?

[ultraferret.livejournal.com]

I call first dibs on the privilege of paying you "in the neighborhood of US$2500 per person" for a 24-hour trip on your luxury sub with you after its delivery in late December.

The person who gives it to you for the holidays can have first dibs on riding shotgun with you in the cockpit, bridge or whatever the heck you call it on a luxury sub. Fair is fair.

[ultraferret.livejournal.com]

Was just telling Jen the other day how she and especially you should check out theferrett's LJ.

Today I saw his Xmas Wish list and knew that this would be a good intro for YOU to him.... http://www.livejournal.com/users/theferrett/172649.html

You may already know who he is in person, as he is the editor of StarCity Games or as he puts it on his website " Editor, Webmaster, and Featured Writer of StarCityGames.com, the largest and most profitable Magic: the Gathering independent strategy sites" .....

Also see: http://www.theferrett.com/aboutme.php and his website of writing in general at http://www.theferrett.com/ - I think he's quite a writer and pretty damned cool - and considering that 753 people have put him on their LJ friends lists - clearly i am not alone in that opinion.