Hey,

I'm just wondering what other people's experiences are with regard to giving their T a gift. Have they ever rejected it/said no? How did you decide what to get them?

I just read an article on this site that suggested that the gift should be about the receiver and what they like...and not something with special meaning. I think I've violated both of those notions.

Just got back from 5 months of backpacking. T was really instrumental in helping me find the courage to go when all other adults in my life thought it was crazy. I also had a therapy epiphany while there with regard to allowing the T relationship to happen etc.

So I was in Thailand on this temple tour and the guide talked about symbols in Buddhism. He said the elephant represented mental strength, patience, analysis, etc. It made me think of T immediately. Then I saw these elephant figurines in the gift shop. I felt like I should buy to give to her, but I was uncertain. Then I kept seeing figurines everywhere. I agonized but eventually bought one when I found a rice farmer hand carving elephants from wood in this weekend market.

So I was just worried that she would say no, but now I'm worried that the gift is too personal to me. I didn't buy it with her in mind to like it. I bought it as a symbol of thanks and my new commitment to therapy.