humble http://isitnormal.com/story/451/ i tend to have a problems expressing the appropriate amount of gratitude , it always sounds insincere and therefore makes me feel uncomfortable. I hate it when people ask what you want as a gift as well as detest asking for something when unsure of the price range etc. Basically I find the whole gift thing a complete minefield.I only enjoy SMALL gifts that someone has chosen specifically for me. Usually jokey stuff or little bits and pieces that I will like , even if its like a nailvarnish or hairclips ( im 30 btw) Anything ostentatious, expensive, impersonal or fussy makes me feel uncomfortable. Ive noticed one of my kids is like it as well , he likes getting presents but would rather open them quietly in a corner with the minimum of fuss. I think it pressure of other people expectations of gratitude that causes the most pressure. http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-3526 2005-06-19 05:25:47 I hate being the centre of attention. always have, I like to stand on the side lines. I hate getting presents both at Chirtmas and I have told my wife I do not have a birthday. It's fathers day tomorrow, and I have told her to ignore that as well. http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-3367 2005-06-18 01:29:44 only wen u dont like the presents thn yes http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-2387 2005-05-19 09:33:34 Thanks, Ill try that next time I receive a present or compliment! http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-1692 2005-05-09 10:21:53 Isn't it weird how some little incident in our past can affect the way we handle situations throughout our lives' What you need to do is acknowledge that you really are worthy of the attention that your friends and love ones want to shower on you because obviously they don't share those negative thoughts about you. :) http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-1675 2005-05-08 19:02:25 I actually love giving presents to other people, and probably do so inappropriatly at some times. But ever since i was a kid, i just dreaded all present receiving holidays. http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-1660 2005-05-08 13:26:44 Some people just don't have an interest in receiving gifts (especially bad gifts) and see it as going overboard for such a personal occasion. They just don't want all the fanfare. Then you may feel obligated to have to reciprocate giving a gift. But if you don't enjoy it because it puts the personal spotlight you, then this could be due to low self-esteem. You may subconsciously feel overwhelmed and embarrassed because you feel unworthy of receiving this special attention. These type people have no problem showering gifts and attention on others - and could even go overboard with gift-giving and may not have a issue with buying expensive gifts. Because of the way you phrased the question, I wonder if you have no problem giving presents to others. http://isitnormal.com/story/451/#comment-1652 2005-05-07 19:48:42