Gifts

Herself hates presents.

Well, let's clarify. 

Herself loves to give people presents.  Few things make her happier than an opportunity to bestow a gift upon someone.  She gives careful thought when selecting a present, contemplating the individual and trying hard to imagine what he or she would like.  Even when she is out conducting ordinary shopping, she keeps her eyes and mind open for potential gifts, just in case she spots an item that reminds her of one of the people of whom she is fond.

On the other hand, Herself is extremely uncomfortable accepting presents. She always has a vague suspicion that she does not, in fact, actually deserve any kind of gifts. Even more, though, she is unsettled by the thought that another person has spent time selecting a present specifically for her. 

Herself works very hard not to ask things of other people; she fervently wishes not to be a bother or an inconvenience, ever, to anyone.  (This is, in fact, one of the main reasons why she dislikes the telephone so much:  she is horrified at the thought that she might call at an inopportune moment and interrupt or irritate the person whom she is calling.)  A gift is directly contrary to her efforts to be as unobtrusive as possible - for it means that another person has gone through the trouble of imagining, choosing and offering the gift to her.  To accept a present is to acknowledge that she is visible, and the heat of such a spotlight, however small, is almost unbearable. Who is she to warrant such attention?  She is not worthy.

Thank you, gift givers. You make Herself feel valued.