ALT-2 How to Accept a Gift Graciously
Sometimes it's tough to be on the receiving end of certain gifts. Let's face it. Some people do not have good taste in the presents that they choose! And some do not really put much thought or effort into it.
But others give lovely presents, and they are filled with caring and well wishes. Either way, as the recipient of presents, you need to learn to accept them all with appreciation.
Below are a few tips on how to accept a gift graciously.
Lower your expectations
When you get a present, a smart move is to lower your expectations around the item - before opening it. That way, you will be less likely to look disappointed if it is not the spectacular item you were hoping for.
And when you are disappointed, your nonverbal behavior likely gives it away. So by lowering your expectations, you can get in the habit of receiving gifts without fantasizing that they are going to be extravagant or just what you wanted.
In the event that you do get a really big present, such as a piece of jewelry or a new car, you will be genuinely thrilled. And it will show!
Say thank you
When you first open a present, hold back from speaking what you may be really thinking. For example, do not comment that you like the sweater but wanted it in a different color. At least, hold off on reacting that way for some time.
The first thing you want to do after receiving a gift is to say thank you. Sound enthusiastic when doing so. Give a hug and a smile, and show your appreciation through not only your words but your facial expressions and tone of voice.
A gracious gift recipient will always say thank you - even if the gift is not something he or she likes. It's in good form to think not of yourself but of the person who has given you the present. Graciously thank this person, and learn to act a bit if necessary, in the event that you really do not find the present something you want.
Hold off on judgment
Hold off on judgment of the gift. You do not want to say something like, "This lamp is beautiful but it does not go with my dcor. I have nowhere to put it." Sure, you may be thinking that, but try to bite your tongue.
Saying something like that will make you look bad and, more importantly, hurt the person who picked out the present. If you need to find out where the item was purchased for a possible return, ask something like, "Where did you find this lamp?"
Write thank-you notes
If you receive presents at a formal gathering or for a certain event, such as a wedding or a baby shower, be sure to handwrite thank-you notes. It is the appropriate thing to do, and it should be done in a timely manner.
Do not use emails or a Facebook announcement as a substitute. Thank-you notes should be addressed to individuals. They should be personal. And they should be written by you.
