So Mother’s Day came and went. I hope you all got gifted something amazing. I bought my mother a gift voucher which I have yet to send. Such a bad daughter …
This year I received a plant in a very pretty pot and some cookies, both of which are great gifts. In the past though, well, I’ve been give diet books.
The thing is a gift of a diet book or system just makes me feel awful, and it’s pretty hard to be grateful when you just want to hide under the table.
I thought this reaction was just me, but it turns out it’s a sociological response to a subtle message that possibly the giver is not even aware that they’re giving.
That message is, “yes, you’re right, you’re unacceptable the way you are.”
Gwen Sharp explains further on the Sociological Pages in a post Barnes & Noble Mothers Day Gift Guide
Weight-loss related items are, generally, problematic gift ideas. They put the recipient into the position of having to acknowledge in front of anyone watching them open the gift that their weight is considered unacceptable, and that the person giving the gift agrees with that. Even if a person wants to lose weight and is actively trying to do so, they may not wish to have their weight brought up unexpectedly and opened up for public discussion.
So, if you’re thinking about giving a gift of a diet book, or even a body shape book, perhaps its a better idea to offer a voucher or something a little less incendiary even if you do think a person could stand to lose some weight or needs to rehash their appearance. Its far better to offer a little acceptance of who they are than point out that who they are is not acceptable.
And if someone did give you a diet book for Mother’s Day, I’m so sorry, and hey, I think you’re great the way you are.
What did you get for Mother’s Day? Leave a comment and let me know.
