Many years ago, I was looking to buy my girlfriend a Christmas gift. At the time, knit tops were the fashion for teenage girls. My girlfriend wore nice, mostly homemade blouses. Her style was conservative and not driven by fashion.
Thought I’d help her “modernize” her dress. Make it more “in”. And it would be something that’d match her skirts and slacks.
And admit I imagined she’d look great in one of these tops. (First hint)
So I bought her a white knit top, wrapped the box in Christmas paper and gave it to her.
I should explain. These knit tops were stretchy, hugged the contours of the teenager’s body. (Next hint)
Let me pause and ask if you see a problem with this gift?
• She didn’t have any knitted tops.
• She wasn’t fashion driven.
• Did I mention it highlighted the curves of her body.
Who do you think I really bought this gift for?
In the recent Romantic Memo, we talked about how size and cost weren’t important for those whose Romantic Preference Grouping is little gifts. But that doesn’t mean you should just get any gift you want for him/her.
Here’s the caveat. When purchasing gifts for your partner, remember who the gift is actually for.
I bought the knit top because I imagined how curvaceous my girlfriend would look in it. I didn’t consider if she’d feel comfortable, appreciated, and understood with the gift.
If your partner prefers to be romanced with little gifts, absolutely give them gifts. But first ask yourself:
- Am I choosing this gift because my sweetheart would like it? Or,
- Am I getting this gift because I like it?
The most meaningful Romantic Moments happen when you focus on your partner. That focus transforms a simple gift into a deeply personal, romantic one.
Robert Beagle, LET
In next week’s Romantic Memo, we’ll look at how to avoid the negative impact of panic buying a romantic gift.
