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Do any of you folks out there feel guilty about asking for an expensive item as a birthday gift? I would really like a new light fixture for my tank, but I don't want to ask for expensive stuff. I know that I'm already getting the new Aqualog pleco book, so I don't know if I want to go for something else that's pricey. I would ask another family member, but I'd still feel bad about that. Somehow, I've become conditioned so that spending money on myself makes me feel bad. I don't like other people buying stuff for me, either.

Anyone else feel this way, or have a cure?

Last edited by sirbooks at 24-Mar-2005 12:08

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

I feel the same way. I haven't gotten anything for xmas or birthday for the last 5 years, and i like it that way.

If i want something, i save up and buy it.

You know you family's financial status better than us. If you think they can afford it then ask away. It's the least they can do to repay you for bringing light into their lives.

I have the other problem. I don't have much extra money and I know what my daughter would like but she won't ask because she knows there isn't extra money. Kinda makes me feel guilty especially when I know she is a good kid really deserves it.

___________________________________________

If at first you DO succeed, try not to look astonished.

if i want something for my birthday, i help my parents pay for it...

Victimizati0n's idea sounds good. If you really feel guilty asking for it, ask them to cover half the price, and you can save up to pay for the other half. Meeting halfway is good for everybody.

Depends on your family. I know my family will get me one big gift and just a few smaller ones, so it might as well be something I really want/need.

><>

I dont feel guilty...when I ask 4 an expensive gift I just dont get it

*thinks about asking 4 a 75 gal*

Last edited by dude_dude at 25-Mar-2005 01:49

how expensive is this light?? i mean, if it's outrageously expensive (more than $150-200) then i would say try to save up for it, or offer to pay for half, or take any b-day money you get and put it towards the light later. under $150 i would ask and let your family decide if they want to spend the extra for you

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"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman

sirbooks

No harm in asking but personally if you asked me you would not get it no matter what it cost.

But again if I asked you what you would like for your Birthday that is a different matter.

All these special occasions have just become one big commercial sell.

Also if you suggested what you would prefer XXXX and for what reason that would be taken into consideration.

Eg for last Fathers day I cooked a special meal for the Daughter she was very happy naturally and I was also very happy to have her there with her daughter.

May be I am old fashioned, I was always taught never to ask for gifts.

Keith

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I spent years with my rellies getting me pink things as a kid, drove me batty. I just gave them away. I didn't mind, but it sort of isn't the point of a gift.

I'd mention it to your parents, and see if they can start an account or something for you to save up in, maybe let your relatives know about it in case they are stuck for ideas.

I mean, you aren't saying gimme gimme, and you are mature enough to approach it in a way that won't make your parents feel guilty if they cannot afford it. do your research, and ask for a leg-up, not the whole kit and kaboodle



For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I'm with Fallout - I do feel guilty, so I don't ask for presents at all.
If you decide that you would like to ask for that gift, you can suggest several family members give it to you as a joint gift.

Well, it costs around $100, I think. It would be a nice thing to have, but on the other hand, I don't need it. I won't ask for it, but the moral dilemma is still there.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."