Build Connection By Learning The Art Of Receiving Gracefully
Psychotherapist Pauline Sanderson, M.A., M.F.T. tells Thrive that learning to receive gifts gracefully is important, as it helps to “create an inner balance, and complete a symbiotic circle”.[1]
If you find it hard to receive gifts without feeling awkward, this article[1] from Thrive has some ways to help us practice learning to receive gracefully.
1. Simply Say ‘Thank You’
When someone gives you a gift, do you catch yourself saying things such as ‘Oh, you shouldn’t have’ or ‘This is too much’? If so, next time practise only saying ‘thank you’. As humans, we express love in many ways, and one of them[2] is gift-giving. Receiving their gift graciously validates their expression of love[3] towards you and lets them experience the joy of blessing their loved one.
2. Enjoy The Gift
Instead of mulling over why your friend gave you the gift, whether they could afford it, or how you are going to reciprocate the favour, take a second to be mindful and meditate on how good it feels that someone else cares about you and the thought they put into the gift. Allow yourself to enjoy the gift fully, and appreciate the connection with the individual who gave it to you.
3. Think Of Receiving And Giving As A Team Sport
If there’s something the pandemic has reinforced, it is that humans require connection. Gift-giving can not only build connection but also community. Sanderson encourages us to think of giving and receiving as a team sport – when you are able to receive gracefully, it “adds to the success of the team, moving everyone forward toward the shared goals of goodwill, health, and happiness”. Instead of being anxious to ‘even the score’ or repay the person who gave you the gift, you may choose to pay it forward and brighten someone else’s day.
If you would like to build your relationships and deepen your connection with others, it may be helpful to speak to a life coach or a counsellor.
References
1. Lipworth E. Why Receiving Gracefully Is Just as Important as Giving. Thrive Global; 2021.
2. Gordon S. What Are the Five Love Languages? Verywellmind; 2024.
3. Beth R. 52 Ways to Show I Love You: Receive Graciously. Psychology Today; 2017.
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Disclaimer: This Content has been developed from our generous global community and is intended for informational purposes only. This Content is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon. Further, the personal views and experiences published are expressly those of the author, and do not represent the views or endorsement of SoulAdvisor through the act of publication on our site.
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