2024/07/27

Inappropriate gifts

This post will also be about presents. But this time let's talk about inappropriate gifts.

In fact, it's also cultural. 

The first example of an inappropriate gift is something very expensive. It could confuse your partner in Turkey, Iran or in China. They would probably feel obliged to offer something similar in return. Another example of a bad gift is something sharp, such as knives, scissors, or letter openers, which would mean cutting off a relationship. This is the case in China and Brazil. Interestingly, an inappropriate gift in China could be a clock, because in Mandarin this word sounds the same as death, While in Brazil a problem gift could be a handkerchief which would symbolize grief. Always think about the religious beliefs of your partner. For example, gifting a bottle of wine to a Muslim is generally not acceptable, while in many European cultures, it could be a good present. Gift-giving rituals are another interesting story that will be discussed in the next post.