Gift-giving should be an Olympic sport, I think. It requires a similar level of training, practice and dedication to get just right present. Honestly, it’s hard work. We use ourselves as models, thinking: “I’d love this…so, of course he will too.” But sometimes we empathize a tad too much and end up with an ‘US’ gift.

The US Gift

What’s that? It’s a gift that’s meant for your sweetheart that you share, too. For example, an old boyfriend of mine presented me with some very luxurious French lingerie for Valentine’s Day. Really gorgeous stuff with lace and not much else.

While I appreciated sexy gift, it made me wonder just how well he knew me. (I’m strictly a flannel woman from December to April). Seemed to me gift was obviously for him. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, if you know what I mean, but it wasn’t exactly selfless either. Gifts should be selfless, given without expectation or obligation. At least that’s what my Dad used to always say and I agree.

How to Avoid US gift

The best way to avoid giving an US gift is to focus exclusively on your partner's interests. Remember, it’s not what you want, it’s what she wants that matters. Listen to her daily conversation more closely.

Cold air slips through cracks in my doorway and around my windows. My cats lie curled up in balls; asleep on plump pillows. They hibernate most days now and only awaken from their dreamy slumbers for bites of kibble. They are unaware of our troops in Middle East or our economy problems here at home.

What sustains you during tough times? Do you have a network of support? What are things that comfort you when life seems to be filling your plate with more of things you find unappetizing? Now is perfect time to focus on simple daily rituals and pleasures as we live through more turbulent days ahead. Let's call these, recipes for rapture.