“New Year: giving and receiving” В1+ class

Considering the different types of gift-givers discussed in the article (joyful, anxious, controlling, dissatisfied, self-sacrificing), which type do you think is most common in your experience, and what challenges do you think this specific approach presents in relationships?

In your opinion, how do cultural traditions and what people expect affect gift-giving? And what are some ways to make gift-giving enjoyable for everyone?

In your opinion, what is the most important thing to keep in mind when either giving or receiving a gift, and how can this knowledge help to improve relations with relatives?

Does gift-giving only bring joy to the recipient and giver, or are there other complexities involved?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The article explicitly states “But it’s often not that simple” and explores the various power dynamics and negative emotions that can arise with gift-giving.

Does the article suggest that studies have shown gift-giving primarily activates brain regions associated with fear and shame?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The article states that gift-giving activates brain regions associated with trust, social connection, and pleasure. While it mentions that if people co-opt the process to make it about power etc it can lead to negative emotions, they are not the primary thing activated.

Does the article imply that “anxious givers” are generally comfortable with receiving gift receipts and encouraging others to swap gifts?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The article suggests that anxious givers can try asking for confirmation that they’re on the right track with what they had in mind, or “ask for a gift receipt and encourage them to swap it if it’s not spot-on.”

Does a “joyful giver” tend to be focused primarily on their own preferences when selecting a gift for someone?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The article states that joyful givers “use empathy to determine what the recipient wants and needs.”

Do “dissatisfied givers” typically view gifts as something insignificant?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The article states, “They see gifts as interchangeable and don’t view what they give as meaningful or significant.”