Giving gifts is a show of love and affection, as well as a form of appreciation.
Growing up in a home that is very accommodating, we always had visitors from far and near and they often come bearing gifts.
I also saw my parents visit people and never went empty handed, there must be something to give their host be it; a bottle of wine, red oil, gallon of honey, crate of malt, cartons of biscuit, fruits, cash gift in an envelope, fabrics, tubers of yam, even already cooked local delicacy well packaged etc. There must be a gift to accompany such visits.
We were taught to never visit people empty handed. We must visit people with something, no matter how little. I always get material gifts from friends, family and well wishers as well. Some of these gifts are very expensive, some are cheap but you cannot imagine the effect it has on me till date.
When I got my first car about a decade ago, my kid sister gave me a gift, although she didn’t exactly hand me this gift directly. She woke up one early morning and decided to wash my car for me. When she was done, she placed the gift in the car. I still appreciate that gift till today.
She gifted me a car towel she bought for N500. Whenever I pick up this towel to clean my car, I remember her kindness with a smile and this car towel went with me everywhere so long as I am in the car.
Another gift that has also stood out and which I deeply appreciate is a N100 Compact Disc (CD plate) a friend gave me on my birthday. Whenever I play it, it calms me down and speaks directly to my soul.
There are gifts that are better experienced than giving material objects. For example, when my younger sister got her first car, every early morning, I wake up to wash my own car, I wash hers as well. It is a form of gift though rendered as service.
All I am saying in essence is you must not break a bank to give gifts, the heart and thought behind the gift is what really counts. A bottle of wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), handkerchiefs, CD plate which could be a selection of the person’s favorite songs, car shiner, and wall clocks are good gift ideas.
Others are; picture or wall frames, food packs, fruits, cakes, cookies, books, foot mat, rendering a helping hand without asking for anything in return etc are all forms of giving gifts to someone you love and care for.
What you give may be little or insignificant to you, but to the receiver it is the best gift ever. Total monetary value may be zero, and yet could be one of the most thoughtful gifts they have ever received.
Like those two gifts of a car towel and CD plate that mean more than words to me, it doesn’t matter that I can afford them a million times.
Most times it is not the gift, but the thought and efforts that matter most. Think about your gift carefully. Gifts don’t have to cost you much and they can even be free, or close to it. Sometimes it’s the little things we do that mean so much.
Giving is one of the ways to show love. Give gifts to those who can or cannot afford it, be nice to everyone even if you cannot afford to give them material gifts.
There are many ways to show love even to people you have never met before. Visit the sick in hospitals; settle a random person’s hospital bill. You can walk into any school to pay an indigent student’s school fees. Feed the hungry, provide them accommodation, and visit orphanages to teach them a craft for free or donate cash or food items to them. Protect the aged and vulnerable around you.
Give cheerfully, with no ulterior motive, not to impress, it’s a sign that you really care. If you can afford the big gifts and your spirit is willing and not out of compulsion, then do it.
It’s the season of love, show love to your gateman, house keeper, staff, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, neighbors in the manner you speak or approach issues that concern them. Treat them with dignity and respect, that’s how to show love as well.
The world needs more love in words, in kind and in gifts to be a better place. Don’t stop showing love for no man is too poor when it comes to giving. And never look down on any man’s gift be it material or immaterial.
Re: Marry a woman you can’t control
Those who marry a woman with the mind set to control her have problem of inferiority complex. They are weaklings who think to force their ways on their wives is the only tool that make them relevant in the union. They are also ignorant of the fact that marriage is a partnership venture with no provision for the post of a controller in the union. More men like Victor Ibeh should join to talk to fellow men blinded by tradition/hardness of heart.
– Pastor Stephen, Abuja
Victor Ibeh nailed this topic. I entered into marriage with this mindset of control, even made sure I married a younger girl just stamp my authority. Looking back I realized I was foolish.
–Dike, Lagos