Comments on: How to Receive Graciously

By: Let Peace Begin with Me and You | Make It Happen

Let Peace Begin with Me and You | Make It Happen — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:23:24 +0000

[...] Check out my post about receiving graciously. [...]

By: Madeleine

Madeleine — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:25:34 +0000

Belinda, Loving to give but feeling unsure or undeserving when receiving seem to be very common. I really like the idea which Justin stated that receiving a gift with appreciation is another form of giving.

When a gift is unexpected and comes from the heart, it has a huge impact. One time at work, a project went so well and we all really enjoyed working together. One of my co-workers gave me a $5 Starbucks gift -card, but the real gift was the hand-written note of appreciation. I spent the money years ago, but I treasure the note. I could never throw it away.

By: Belinda Munoz

Belinda Munoz — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:25:43 +0000

@everyone,
I’d like to graciously thank you all for your comments. They’re all very helpful to me and I hope we’ll all be at least just a little bit more comfortable receiving going forward.

By: LPC

LPC — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:42:38 +0000

My mother, who made it be about manners, but meant the same thing, always said, “A simple thank you will suffice.” I like to say it to myself whenever I am tempted to protest.

By: Karlil

Karlil — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:26:58 +0000

Great post Belinda. I always have the urge to reciprocate. I just can’t seem to help it. It feels weird to receive and not give back in return. I also used to not reject gift from somewhere I’m not so closed or presents that are expensive. Now I’m more open to the idea of receiving. Though I still feel obligated to give in return.

By: Justin- AlittleBetter.net

Justin- AlittleBetter.net — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:02:35 +0000

Ok ok ok you caught me red-handed. I don’t receive very well. Another point that this article made me think of is that receiving is also another form of giving. It is so awesome to give to others and have them really enjoy it. When we receive well we have just given the opportunity for them to give a gift.

By: Fr. Michael

Fr. Michael — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:52:48 +0000

Thought provoking as always, Belinda. I find the hardest thing sometimes is simply to say a heartfelt “thank you” and leave it at that. I often feel the need to keep saying thank you, but most people are grateful for the one simple acknowledgement.

By: Nomi

Nomi — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:48:11 +0000

This is a hard lesson to learn. All her life, no matter how much effort & thought we put into gifts for her, my mother’s reaction was “I don’t need this. Why did you give me this? Do you want this?” I’m ashamed of how many decades (!) it took for me to realize that this is NOT the way to handle a gift. When I got engaged & the wedding presents started pouring in (mostly from my husband’s side), I couldn’t deal with it. I cried and wanted to send them all back — these people didn’t know me, and if they did they would realize I didn’t deserve this. I guess in the end I got what I wanted: nobody gives me presents now — including the husband, who ignores Christmas, birthdays, and the rest, and I’m too embarrassed at my own inconsistency to bring it up after all these years.

By: Ideas With A Kick

Ideas With A Kick — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:14:14 +0000

What a great idea: a post on receiving. Not feeling the need to reciprocate is the idea that resonated the most with me.

Some people do have expectations for your to reciprocate when they give you something (consciously or not). They use giving as a way of getting, even if it’s just your love and appreciation of them. But, in my perspective, this is manipulative and it’s not your problem. Just focus on receiving.

By: Arvind Devalia

Arvind Devalia — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:04:47 +0000

Belinda, another great post, thank you.

I have always been superb at giving but fairly closed at receiving. I am always the one in a crowd looking after everyone else, playing mother hen. Then I learnt how great it was to also be looked after and have things done for me:-)

I have also learnt that the best way of receiving any gift or a compliment is simply to say two words – “Thank you”.

There is nothing more needed. So often people say things like – “Oh, it was nothing” or “You shouldn’t have” etc.

I have learnt to be a much better receiver now and this topic of receiving has been coming up for me over the last few days. Clearly I need to turn up my receiving antennae a notch or two!

So bring it on universe, I am ready to receive:-)