“Gracious acceptance is an art ― an art which most never bother to cultivate. We think that we have to learn how to give, but we forget about accepting things, which can be much harder than giving…. Accepting another person’s gift is allowing [them] to express [their] feelings for you.”
―Alexander McCall Smith
What have you learned about accepting gifts?
Long ago, I read that when someone compliments you on your outfit, and you say, “Oh, this old thing?” it’s like you’re insulting their taste in clothes.
Then someone asks, “Then what can you say that won’t sound vain or arrogant?”
Lots of options, but the simplest, and it’s so easy, is, “Thank you.”
My previous stance was to tell myself (and then follow through) that I wouldn’t put the gifts into use until AFTER I had written Thank You notes or card. I still try to follow this self-advice. When I do I always think of something I look for how I can use it and describe ways it is useful to me. Of course, all added to my “Thank You”!
A short addition: when I receive a gift of great beauty, I try to express that beauty in my Thanks.