Aw connect.the.stars, I'm really sorry that you did not get to see your SO open those many presents that you worked so hard and lovingly to select and wrap and place.

Question 1: Do you like to be present to see the gift receiver's reaction to your gift? Assume this is a gift you have spent a lot of time on making or put a lot of thought into.

Yes. But I see it as more than simply seeing the receiver's reaction. A birthday event or present is a celebration of the person. One celebrates best with the person, in person, when that is possible.

Question 2: If you prefer to be present, do you think you gain happiness from seeing the receiver happy? Do you believe this is the sole reason why you give gifts? (To spread happiness to the other person).

I like to see a positive reaction. Yes, it is the spreading of the happiness, not my being present to see it, that is the first objective. Still, my presence (when possible) adds to the celebration and allows me to share in it.

Question 3: If you did not know whether the receiver liked your gift or not, would this make you sad or feel like your effort was not appreciated?

If the receiver makes no effort to let me know their reaction, I would feel sad, yes. I would wonder whether or not they liked it and I would feel like they did not care about the effort I put into it. Perhaps I would be mistaken in that, but that is how I would feel.

Question 4: If you don't care to be present, is this because you are satisfied with knowing that you gave a great gift? Therefore, it would not matter to be present to witness their reaction because you know the receiver will be happy regardless.

NA - I'd want to be present.

Question 5: If the only reason people give big gifts is so that they can feel a little bit better about themselves, then would that make gifting a large/meaningful present a selfish act?

The only reason? Are you saying that the giver literally does not care whether or not the receiver liked the gift? They are not trying to find something suitable for the person? If the answer to my questions is yes, then the gift would be largely a self-centered act, as it would be aimed at the self and not at the other person.

Thanks to Crazy Hitch for the handy red letters!