It’s that time of year again. The streets are dusted with twinkling lights, department stores blast Mariah Carey on repeat, and men start breaking into a cold sweat. Why? Because Christmas is coming, and with it, the same old dilemma: What gift do I get her this year?
For years, women have unwrapped Christmas gifts with practiced enthusiasm, hiding their disappointment behind polite smiles. But this year, let’s change the narrative. Ladies, it’s time to open your eyes and truly see what lies behind those expensive gifts. Because here’s the harsh truth: That designer handbag or diamond necklace isn’t about you. It’s about him.
Take a moment to think about it …
… why would a man, who spends the other 364 days barely noticing your subtle hints or outright requests, suddenly splurge on something extravagant? It’s not because he’s had a sudden epiphany about your love for fine jewelry or luxury brands. No. He’s doing it to make himself feel better. That flashy gift is less about your happiness and more about his need to compensate for his shortcomings. It’s his way of saying, “Look how great I am,” while quietly trying to reconcile the ways he’s fallen short all year.
Imagine this …
… a man, feeling guilty for being emotionally distant and not paying enough attention over the year, decides to buy the most expensive thing he can afford. Not because it reflects your personality or interests, but because it’s an easy way to say, “I care” without actually having to show it in meaningful ways. It’s not a declaration of love; it’s a Band-Aid for his insecurities. The bigger the price tag, the more he hopes to bury his self-perceived failures.
And what do we do? …
… we let him. We unwrap the gift, gush about how “perfect” it is, and give him the validation he’s craving. But deep down, we know the truth. That handbag doesn’t match our style. Those diamond earrings are too flashy for our taste. And yet, we pretend. Why? Because we’re conditioned to protect their egos, even at the expense of our own happiness.
Guys!
… if you think an expensive gift will make you look impressive, you’re dead wrong. The pricier the gift, the cheaper you come across. Expensive doesn’t equal thoughtful, and flashy doesn’t mean meaningful. You’re so easy to see through. If you had real confidence, you wouldn’t rely on lavish gifts to win her approval. You’d take pride in buying the little things that truly matter: the cozy scarf in her favorite color, the book she mentioned months ago, or the handwritten note that says, “I see you, I hear you“.
Instead, what do women get? The “look at me” gift – a trophy meant to flaunt his generosity and success. “Check me out,” the gift says. “I’m the perfect, successful boyfriend/husband/partner.”
And let’s not forget …
… the “I panicked” gift. These are the last-minute, picked-up-on-the-way-home disasters that scream, “I put zero thought into this.” Think novelty mugs, bath sets, or—heaven forbid—gift cards. These gifts don’t even pretend to say, “I know you.” They say, “I needed to check this off my list.”
But here’s the kicker …
… they genuinely believe they’ve nailed it, see our forced smiles and polite thank-yous as validation. They don’t notice the subtle eye twitch, the stiff hug, or the way we quickly shove the gift back in the box. No, they’re too busy basking in the glow of their own perceived brilliance.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Anna Karolina, aren’t you being a little harsh? No. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be this way. Men, if you’re reading this, take notes. Gifts aren’t your stage to show off. Stop hiding behind overpriced presents and pretending to be some kind of Christmas hero. You’re as easy to unwrap as the jewelry box you hand over. And honestly? The pricier the gift, the cheaper you come across.
So here’s the deal, gentlemen …
… stop treating gift-giving like a shortcut to redemption. If you think throwing money at the problem will cover up your lack of confidence, you’re dead wrong. The truth is, we’re onto you. We see through the shiny wrapping paper and overpriced nonsense. So before you whip out your credit card to soothe your guilty conscience, here’s a wild idea: try being present instead of buying presents.
Guess what? I’m not falling for it.
