Hint: it has to do with empathy.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
— Kahlil Gibran
My older son is graduating from High School this week.
Besides the excitement and pride, my wife and I were brainstorming what to get him as a present. Shall we ask him? Should we get him something symbolic to remember this moment forever? Or something more functional that he can enjoy now?
Giving is a meaningful act — it says a lot about both the giver and the receiver. That’s why few people enjoy finding the right present; most just want to find the easiest way out.
Great gifts, like feedback, are unexpected. A gift should make receivers richer, not just reinforce their tastes.
What giving says about yourself
Gifts had a bad rap. Christmas ads make everyone look like they suck at giving. They portray givers as people who lack both empathy and taste. They will get you ugly shirts or ties t…
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Demystifying Culture to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.