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The holiday gift decoder

Gifts to family are easy to decode. After all, you’ve been buying each other gifts for years. But when it comes to your new guy’s gifting ways, there’s much to analyze. So what will his gift to you mean? Read on for our thoughts. Then, feel free to share your thoughts by commenting below.

It’s that time — holiday season. Presents to family are easy to decode. After all, you’ve been buying each other presents for years. But when it comes to your new guy’s gifting ways, there’s much to analyze. So what will his gift to you mean? Read on for our thoughts. Then, feel free to share your thoughts by commenting below.

Jewelry

The man who buys you jewelry is a man who’s trying to win you over. And just who can blame him? You’re just that special — special enough that your beau will go out of his way to find the perfect pair of earrings, ring, necklace or bracelet that suits your style. The best part is jewelry rarely goes out of style, so you’ll get longevity with this gift — and maybe this relationship while you’re at it. Let’s hope he chooses wisely and the piece is something you actually would wear. Regardless, it’s the thought that counts.

Tickets

Before we get into this, we have one question: Are they really for him or for you? If the tickets are for a sporting event or concert that is more his choice than yours, your man might be a little on the selfish side. (Unless he wants you to get to know him better, we guess.) If the tickets are for a musical or concert that you are dying to see, let’s just say, “Awww — he cares about you.” We’re jealous. Now that’s sacrifice — he knows he’s going to have to go with you.

A Gift certificate

Plain and simple, the man had no idea what to get you. Let’s cut him a little slack. It’s hard to shop for a lady, especially when you are not one. If the gift certificate is for a store you shop at and love, then whew. If it’s a gift certificate for something you have no interest in, he might’ve re-gifted. Eek! Yes, some men do it. Do some snooping and figure out the motive for this present. Good luck!

Nothing

If you got him a gift and he didn’t get you anything, odds are you are not on the same page. You might want to talk to your partner (after gift-giving season, ideally). You might think this relationship is more serious than he does, and in that case, forget presents — you’ve got bigger problems on your hands. Find out if you want the same things. If you’ve been rushing things, slow it down a tad to get on pace with his comfort level, or communicate to him where you want to be in your relationship. Our fingers are crossed for you!

Hobby-related

He knows you love to write, and he buys you a beautiful journal. Or, he realizes that you love to cook and buys you fancy cookware. Le sigh! You have yourself a thoughtful man. Don’t let him go! They’re hard to find. We like that he put thought into his gift — he wanted to make sure you liked it. And, in our book, that means he likes you. He’s a keeper!

Flowers

Flowers during the holidays? Eh. Sure it’s still sweet, but your guy is not the creative type. He must’ve run out of ideas because roses, tulips and daisies are the fallback gift. If it were a “for no reason” present, we’d be behind it. If you’re mega into flowers, we stand corrected.

Cash

Yes, a man once had the nerve to give me cash. And no, he wasn’t my uncle. He was a man I was dating. How weird is that? Obviously, I wasn’t pleased. I kept the cash, but not the man. If your guy gives you some 20s, think twice about whether he is thoughtful — unless, of course, you could really use the money and he knows that. Depending on his motives, this can be considered a good or bad gift. Figure out how you feel and evaluate accordingly.

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