Personal development books, yoga courses, subscriptions to meditation applications… At the end of the year, there is no shortage of gifts intended for personal development. However, they can sometimes be poorly received, recalls Pascal Anger, clinical psychologist.
Divergent gifts
Far from being superfluous, gifts linked to personal development can be excellent options: they not only allow you to offer a concrete present (much better than a distasteful “mug”), but also encourage the growth, reflection and well-being of the person who receives it.
“They are designed to enable consumers to improve different aspects of themselves, including their abilities, qualities, skills or performance in areas that are important to them, such as intellectual, physical, moral and social dimensions. confirm American researchers in the Journal of Retailing.
However, some seem a little “limited”: rejuvenation cures, slimming products (green tea, etc.) and spiritual retreats.can sometimes convey criticism by suggesting that the person is not good enough as they are“, warn the experts.
Result ? Instead of giving pleasure, these gifts can lead to a real questioning of the other (do they think I am too fat, too uncultured, too out of shape?). A clumsy gesture which, however, can be avoided, according to Pascal Anger.
“This type of gift can be given, provided you put a lot of tact into it”
Our specialist is not very convinced by this type of gift.
“It is very particular to offer sessions to “get better”, unless the other person has expressed a specific desire. For example, it’s better if he said: “I want to get in shape or go to the psychologist“, underlines the expert.
In other words, this type of gift can be given, provided you put a lot of tact into it and explore, beforehand, the desires of the other person.. “This present must be prepared and thought through: what type of session? For what type of person?” recalls Pascal Anger.
Besides, what has done us good (sophrology sessions for example) does not necessarily do good to others. “Many factors come into play. So you have to be careful with this type of gift and ask yourself: what is the purpose of doing it?” further advises the expert.
The important thing, ultimately, is to present the idea well. The form counts here almost more than the substance.
Also pay attention to the price of the sessions: “perhaps the person will not have the means to continue this subscription”warns the practitioner.
What to do if you feel unwell?
Faced with the circumspect expression of your loved one, try to make up for the moment with lightness and humor.
What if the other person’s negative reaction persists? “In this case, put words to the situation, try to understand what the other person really wanted, and admit that your gift was awkward.” concludes Pascal Anger.