Salutations, traveler of The Internets! Welcome to William's Bloody Hell, so named after our founder, Sir Bloody William.
He is seen in the likeness above in a rare, 19th century woodcut. This
image was rumoured to have been
commissioned after a bout of unpleasantness
in the White Chapel district of London. Do enjoy your stay and peruse our many, varied offerings, much of which cannot be found elsewhere!
:: Today's soundtrack: The Glove "Punish Me With Kisses" ::
There's just something about gift giving that makes me feel awkward.
For some reason, I hate receiving gifts. I think for one thing, it has to do with my dislike of being the center of attention. Everyone looking at me as I open presents.... irk. Also, I find it very difficult to hide my distaste of a gift I don't like or need. "oh a three handled moss covered family grudunza? How... how.... nice." (insert obviously fake smile) That also makes me feel sad because someone doesn't know me well enough to get me a semi decent gift. A gift certificate to someplace I'd never shop in a million years, for example. I collect enough stuff that finding something along those lines should help, but for some people they just don't seem to try. I don't even NEED a gift on designated gift giving days to know your appreciation. A witty card is just swell enough, or even some kind words, by phone, e-mail, or in person.
And what about these "designated gift giving days," like X-mas and birthdays? What's the deal? You're somehow forced beyond your control to give someone a gift or else it seems as though you do not care about them. Well what the hell? I say, don't wait for one of these designated days. If you see something in a store window or catalogue that makes you think of someone, go for it! And don't sit on it till one of those days, just give it to them whenever! Out of appreciation for friendship, or love or whatever. An out of the blue gift is far more meaningful and from the heart than a designated day gift. It shouldn't be weird to just give someone something out of the blue, nor should it make the recipient feel obligated to do the same. It is just a gift for you, no strings attached.
So I say, let us all buck the system! Let us return to the core of what gift giving is supposed to mean. Forcing people to send gifts on certain days lessens the effect of its intent and puts pressure on the gift giver with a deadline. Just give a gift, and remember what its all about.
