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Smile a large and genuine smile, and say "Thank you," in a heartfelt manner.

A gift is a gift. The person who gave it to you invested at least some time in choosing it. The fact that you received the gift is more important than what the gift actually is.

Bear in mind, though, that, if the gift is totally inappropriate, the giver may not know you as well as he or she thinks she does. For instance, I am 57 years old. If somebody were to give me a music CD containing songs with bad language, I would have to wonder what he or she was thinking!

Accepting a gift is a responsibility. No matter how awful the gift, you have a responsibility to convince that giver that you appreciate it. Even if it is a T-shirt dress, made with fabric sewn on the bottom, and some of the same fabric glued on the front as an applique. Or a bright yellow umbrella.

You smile, say "thank you," and let the giver see you use their gift. If Aunt Mabel has made you the T-shirt dress, wear it next time the family gets together. It's just one day, it will mean the world to her, and the photographers from Vogue will probably not be there.

Never, EVER, look a gift horse in the mouth.

That T-shirt dress? A few years later, it was exactly what I needed to wear as a character in a play. If I hadn't had it, I would have had to make it.

Really, there is no such thing as a lousy gift.

Learn more about this author, Veronica Prior.
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