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They are probably wishing that you would lighten up. Edit: I know this seems trollish, but it's probably also true. Although I could have worded it better, my
by houseabsolute 17y ago
They are probably wishing that you would lighten up.
Edit: I know this seems trollish, but it's probably also true. Although I could have worded it better, my point is that your expectation that people _not_ give physical gifts is no different or more noble than other peoples' expectation that you accept physical gifts. Recognizing that, there's the tried and truism that it's easier to change things about yourself than things about others.
- imd 17y agoIf he doesn't want more stuff, he's not being noble to say so, he's just telling people what not to get him. If someone gave you a pillow every year, why should it be rude to say, "please don't get me a pillow this year. I have enough pillows!"? I know some people are too timid to say things like this, but it is possible to say without offending.
- houseabsolute 17y agoIf >90% of his society embraced the tradition of giving new pillows every year, then he would indeed be a little out of line in expecting others to accede uniformly to his pillow-less demands. It's not rude to ask, but it is pointless to get upset when some people decline to do what you want. Edit: actually, by convention it is a little rude to ask most people to give you particular types of things for your birthday, unless they are very close to you socially (spouse or significant other, basically).