Dear Baba Rumcake,
I wish people didn’t give me presents for my birthday instead of surprising me. I mean, I never get anything that I will use so it just adds to junk I have around the house or have to give away. I was just given a snowman mug, a weird scarf, a cheap wallet, and hooker red lip gloss. None of it will ever be used. I’d really rather have nothing than have a gift. I know I sound ungrateful.
Discouraged in Peoria
Dear Discouraged,
You might be ungrateful but I like you already. I happen to agree with you. I hate it when people give me stuff that I do not need. Crap that sits around useless. It makes them feel better, but is useless to you, completely. I get it. You are right.
The solution is to tell them. Tell your friends that you appreciate the thought. Tell them that you realize that they love you and do this just for you. Then tell them, gently, tactfully, that they should stop buying you things. Knowing that they probably are on a budget, be sensitive and tell them that their company is more than enough. You do not need the gift.
This might alleviate the pressure of spending the money for them and spare you the pressure of getting rid of what you never wanted in the first place. Tell them the truth, kindly.
God bless you on knowing yourself. Let me know how you do.
Baba Rumcake