☆ n i k k y c h a n ☆

So it seems that it has become a norm for everyone to "share" presents. Someone's birthday comes up, and the same clique of friends just chip in money for 1 present for the birthday girl/boy. So here comes the question: Out of everyone who chips in money, how many of them actually care about the meaning behind it? Do you really put any thought into whether this present suits the receiver? Whatever happened to "its the thought that counts"?

A birthday present is not just about chipping in the money. If someone were to ask you, "Do you remember what you gave me last year?" or "Why did you decide to buy this?" Would you be able to answer? Honestly? How much of the present-choosing process were you involved in. It has become a situation whereby 1 person finally decides to bother, and then asks the rest "Is this okay?" and then they just agree, and then chip in. Or worse, some don't even bother to find out what the present is, and just go with "Tell me how much".

I am honestly getting sooooooo tired of this present-buying process, plainly because I am always the one who cares to bother, and bothers to care. Be it whether I am the one with the most time on my hands, or even when I am still working. I like buying/choosing presents for my friends because I like the thought behind the process. I like to think about what they would need/like, and then wrap it up nicely. I like see the looks on their faces when they unwrap it. I like to see the appreciation on their expressions. And it is through their expressions that I see my "Thankyou"s. But more often than not, this gesture of mine tends to be taken for granted alot. More often than not, I am always the first one to voice out "Hey, XXX's birthday is coming, what shall we buy? How about this this this?" And then it becomes "MY RESPONSIBILITY" to deliver.

Well you know what??? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I've had it.

Buying presents is not something you just have to get it over and done with. It takes efforts, thoughts and sincerity. If you think dumping that $10 or $20 means getting the job done, then save your money. I'd rather take credit for my own efforts thoughts and sincerity. Never once in my life have I ever chipped in money into a present without finding out what exactly the present is. And even more so for the presents I personally pick and choose for others. So I refuse to have others doing that for mine. If I am not important enough for you to even put the slightest bit of thought into my present, then don't chip in at all. Don't need an extra $10 just so I get a bigger present.

This is the last time I want to be a part of any insincere present-sharing.

There's really more to presents than just pressing a few buttons on the ATM or clicking your way around your iBanking.

From now on, I'm buying my own presents for the people I truly care for and love.