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So the only way I can be safe is to buy the exact item that she has made a positive comment about. And the best way to do that is to buy it right then when there’s no chance of making a mistake, the particular item being sold, or whatever.

People like ZB and GGB's wives are really a PITA to buy presents for! By being so picky and so contrary they are really missing out on the joy of allowing someone who loves them to please them. When someone goes out of their way to look for something they think you would really like and get it for you, for you to receive it graciously is a double gift for the giver. First the receiver is liking the thing itself that the giver got for them, and second the receiver is affirming that the giver truly does know what the giver want in their heart and soul-- and this is the real reason for the gift-- to establish the connection. People like your two wives who refuse to participate in this sort of exchange are missing out, and all you can do for them is just buy the thing they say they want and don't try to use your imagination. IHMO to receive a gift graciously really means letting someone inside. It means letting them know they "got to you," and acknowledging that they penetrated your defenses and touched you. Sadly, I think this is just another way for Mrs. ZB and Mrs GGB to tell y'all that they don't want you inside.



One of my bf's daughters hard to please in the gift department. BF has teenaged twins, and one of them is VERY easy for me to buy for. But the other one is very contrary and a bit cynical. For example, when her letter jacket was stolen, my bf offered to replace it for her, and she said, "Oh I really don't care about it all that much." Well, she's a senior and she had several letters on it, and she damm well DID care, but it was like she couldn't let admit that.

I really blew her mind on her last birthday with what I bought her. Months before the birthday we had been watching a pbs special about Motown music. She was in the other room, not watching, but she was singing along a bit, and every now and then she'd jump up and come in and look at something they were showing in the program. Bf and I had no idea she was interested in Motown music-- she's a typical white suburban h.s. student. Her sister loves Broadway shows and soundtracks. Who knew? On her birthday I bought her a Motown compilation CD and she looked at me with giant eyes: "Omigod! I LOVE this! Omigod, there are songs on here I've never heard of! This is the BEST present." Heh heh... <Lil dusts hands together>... now THAT was a gratifying moment for me!