Don’t let your Valentine’s gift send the wrong message
Feb 11, 2010
VALENTINE'S is back again and while some people out there are bemoaning and cursing it, you are looking forward to buying the perfect gift for your loved one. It has probably never occurred to you could give the wrong gift or that it could be misinterpreted.
VALENTINE'S is back again and while some people out there are bemoaning and cursing it, you are looking forward to buying the perfect gift for your loved one. It has probably never occurred to you could give the wrong gift or that it could be misinterpreted. Michael Kanaabi gives you pointers on the kind of things you should not buy
Ladies’ underwear
Could be the ideal gift more so if it comes in the right colour and size. This is more suited to the ‘serious’ kind of woman, but if she a hyper, trendy girl, she will throw a tantrum and may tell you to differentiate between her and your mother.
The G-string sounds great for Miss Trendy and open-minded, but if she is Serious Woman, you might get a verbal barrage. “Do you think I am a whore?†she might ask. Do not wonder when she gives you the silent treatment after unwrapping the gift.
Men’s underwear
This is a great gift but if it does not fit, you will not get any appreciation, so get the size right, lest they find their way into the back of the drawer or worse still, into the trash. Another tip: Make sure it is not the generic kind from China either.
A dinner dress
Guys have you ever wondered why your lady takes a whole day shopping around for a dinner dress yet you just walk into any boutique and come out 10 minutes later with a great Giorgio Armani suit?
According to numerous ladies I have spoken to, this is because a woman is looking for a dress that fits her just right — that is, her body shape and size. So the best thing is to go with her to the shop, or forget about buying her one altogether, if it is a surprise you are planning.
Watches
A gold or silver trinket can be ideal, but be sure your love does not have a skin that reacts with metal. In that case, settle for one with a leather strap.
Remember, it is not so much the sophistication and value you attach to the gift, but whether the person you are buying it for will appreciate and cherish it.
Perfumes
Great scents just do the magic when you get them right. There is a charm, intimacy and excitement they create, but be careful that the scent is not overpowering. Guys, especially, might end up keeping your precious gift in the closet forever.
In case your intended recipient has some allergies and irritations from some ingredients in the perfume, your gift will backfire. The way around this is to ask directly or check out the ones they currently use to avoid such a situation.
Another complex situation is when your partner might have a little bit of an odour problem. Your well-intended perfume might be misinterpreted to mean you do not appreciate the way they smell.
Ladies’ underwear
Could be the ideal gift more so if it comes in the right colour and size. This is more suited to the ‘serious’ kind of woman, but if she a hyper, trendy girl, she will throw a tantrum and may tell you to differentiate between her and your mother.
The G-string sounds great for Miss Trendy and open-minded, but if she is Serious Woman, you might get a verbal barrage. “Do you think I am a whore?†she might ask. Do not wonder when she gives you the silent treatment after unwrapping the gift.
Men’s underwear
This is a great gift but if it does not fit, you will not get any appreciation, so get the size right, lest they find their way into the back of the drawer or worse still, into the trash. Another tip: Make sure it is not the generic kind from China either.
A dinner dress
Guys have you ever wondered why your lady takes a whole day shopping around for a dinner dress yet you just walk into any boutique and come out 10 minutes later with a great Giorgio Armani suit?
According to numerous ladies I have spoken to, this is because a woman is looking for a dress that fits her just right — that is, her body shape and size. So the best thing is to go with her to the shop, or forget about buying her one altogether, if it is a surprise you are planning.
Watches
A gold or silver trinket can be ideal, but be sure your love does not have a skin that reacts with metal. In that case, settle for one with a leather strap.
Remember, it is not so much the sophistication and value you attach to the gift, but whether the person you are buying it for will appreciate and cherish it.
Perfumes
Great scents just do the magic when you get them right. There is a charm, intimacy and excitement they create, but be careful that the scent is not overpowering. Guys, especially, might end up keeping your precious gift in the closet forever.
In case your intended recipient has some allergies and irritations from some ingredients in the perfume, your gift will backfire. The way around this is to ask directly or check out the ones they currently use to avoid such a situation.
Another complex situation is when your partner might have a little bit of an odour problem. Your well-intended perfume might be misinterpreted to mean you do not appreciate the way they smell.