filed in Daily Life
“If Possible, Serve Others…”
This weekend, I was grumbling about all the hours it was taking to organize a phone bank to encourage members of Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. And then I watched this video, and was humbly reminded that it was, in fact, the best way I could be spending my time.
On another note entirely (or maybe it’s not), I’ve been asked by the Huffington Post to participate in a discussion tomorrow about the pros and cons of single people having gift registries. Last year, I posted a contest about this subject, and as a follow-up, some of you weighed in. I’d really like to hear more about your points of view so I can include them in the conversation.
Discussion
9 comments for ““If Possible, Serve Others…””
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I personally hate gift giving for many reasons. It’s a huge burden on people who don’t have a lot of money to spare; it takes time away from more meaningful activities; and it feeds into the overwhelmingly materialistic nature of our society. That being said, I’ve had discussions with my loved ones about not exchanging gifts many times, and I’ve been told in no uncertain terms that I am still expected to participate in the social convention of the gift exchange.
So…given that I have to participate (or be a pariah in my family), I actually love gift registries. They make it so much easier for me to pick something out, and they ensure that my hard-earned money doesn’t go towards something that the receiver doesn’t even want. When I graduated from medical school a few years ago, I actually had a gift registry so that people could buy pieces to the set of dishes that I picked out. I ended up with an almost complete set of dishes, and I enjoy them on a daily basis, so I think it worked out well.
I LOVE that you had a gift registry for when you graduated medical school. That’s really great.
The best gifts to me, are those I give and receive when they are offered with no obligation. Purely from the heart and a generous spirit. A registry implies some pre-thought (I would like these specific items, please)or obligation because of an event or status change.
The point of your question however is an elevation and honoring of single people..being as worthy to have money spent and showered with gifts as those who’re getting married. On that token, I agree whole-heartedly with the sentiment even if my feelings about materialism and compulsive gift giving are different! Why shouldn’t unpartnered people get a boost from their loved ones if they are in need (or simply be celebrated)?
That’s why I make the most of my birthday every year. And what I’ve learned is that if you really want gifts, you need to have a party.
My registry? Clumping kitty litter.
Over the years, I’ve spent a small fortune buying wedding or shower gifts for other people.
I’m especially disgruntled because a nephew who got married last year couldn’t even scribble two lines on a post card for the gift I sent.
I hate to sound like Scrooge, but I no longer participate in the wedding industrial complex. A card will have to suffice.
Yes, I would have loved a gift registry several decades ago, although I can’t think of an occasion for which it would have been appropriate.
It’s too late now, because I’m trying to reduce both my consumption and my possessions.
I’m a big fan of thank you cards, and it bothers me when people don’t send (or email) them.
I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS for being a part of the HuffPo panel. Very cool, indeed. As for registries, I’ve liked them for the ease of use and for the saving of brain cells that would be used up figuring out the perfect gift. However what’s lost is the idea of a gift from ME…rather than the registry. Over time I’ve used them less and less. But that’s not the question at hand. I’m with Annie on this one. Single folk should have registries if they want them. Lew
Thanks, Lew.