trouble accepting gifts

I wasn't sure where exactly to post this which means it wound up in general.

One of the many things i struggle with at this time of year is accepting holiday gifts. I don't just feel badly when someone presents me with a gift, but I actually get angry. Can anyone relate?

Every year, folks ask what I would like and then fail to honor my wishes. About 5 years ago when I was very mentally ill, I created a credit card debt without realizing what was happening. For years I have been asking for the gift of cash. That's it. There aren't really any material things I need or want or even have the space for.

However, when I tell someone cash I usually get a response about how impersonal cash is or how they would prefer to get me something different. I have tried to explain year after year that cash would mean so much more to me than anything else. Either no one believes me or just chooses not to listen.

If it were up to me I wouldn't get any gifts at all, but since I realize that isn't going to happen I attempt to ask for something that would be really meaningful to me. It just doesn't happen.

Airway; print this out and give it to people :-)

http://www.whatonearthcatalog.com/wh...92_ps_srm.html

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Perna said:
Airway; print this out and give it to people :-)

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Actually your thinking is on the same line as mine this year.

I told someone that if cash was too easy or impersonal they should go to the web site of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and order me some uncut money. It makes the gift of cash a little more exciting just like your little machine.

At least I've got a nice paper cutter in case I end up with a ton of sheets of money.

what about asking people for the basic things you do need, like food or whatever, and then use your money you would have used for that to pay your bill? i mean, if you ask someone to spend $50 at the grocery store, then you can use your $50 for your bill right? Tell them they can even put it in a basket if it makes them feel better.

There are lots of things like this... laundry soap, groceries, clothing, shoes, gift certificates for things like hair cuts.. i don't know what basics you have... but you get the idea.

And.. if it really makes you angry, angry enough to fibb.. then tell them you already have whatever they gave you and ask if they kept the receipt... then return it.

I don't think you can cut the uncut sheets though (against the law under "mutilation") and they've never been in circulation so aren't legal tender yet. The Secret Service would get you :-)

I like Gerber's idea of gift certificates only I'd ask for restaurants and eat out with friends, pay with my certificate, and then get cash from the friends for their portion :-)

My neighborhood has yard sales twice a year; I'd take gifts and sell them there or at a local flea market?

Gerber has a wonderful idea! However, this doesn't work that well for me. I have a very kind roommate who covers all the bills (grocery, rent, utilities, etc.) So anyone getting me these things are actually saving HIM money, not me.