Gifts should always be appropriate
You need to buy a present for a friend and you aren't sure what to get.
I was thinking about this because someone else com
plained to me that she often receives gifts from a business acquaintance. They tend to be quite expensive but, while the gifts are nice, there is a sense of embarrassment in receiving them, even though the person who gives them is quite wealthy and can easily afford to give them.Knowing both people, I know there
's no ulterior motive.Students often ask me whether they should take gifts with them to people they might like to thank when they're abroad. Well, that's easier, since you buy the gift without knowing the person.
The main point here is the word "appropriateness". Not too big, not too small, not too expensive - most gifts are a gesture, and as such should not embarrass the receiver.
I remember a kind Thai friend buying a beautiful present for my parents when they visited Thailand. The only problem was that it was made of glass and very fragile, and they had to somehow carry it back home with them!
Just remember: appropri
ateness!Oh, and if you want to send me a gift, please let me know
- I'll send you a list.
By John Kelly
Special to The Nation
The writer is the director of Mentor International. Visit www.Mentor.ac.
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