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”.
If you find it hard to receive gifts without feeling awkward, this article 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 is gift-giving. By receiving their gift graciously, it validates their expression of love 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 good will, 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. Click on the image below to book a free consultation call with our qualified complementary health practitioners.
References
Why Receiving Gracefully Is Just as Important as Giving | Thrive Global
What Are the Five Love Languages? | verywellmind
52 Ways to Show I Love You: Receive Graciously | Psychology Today
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