Is it okay to let my wealthy best friend buy me expensive gifts?

[MissSunshine2]

One of my two best girl friends is rich and she’s bought me a pair of Skechers and socks for my birthday, as a surprise and is buying me sapphire earrings for Christmas. I’ve given her some beautiful things too, but besides this milestone birthday, I’m keeping everything simpler from now on, as I have lots of friends and several relatives to shop for and no money.

Updates

1 mo

On the one hand, I’ve been trying to slow gift giving down. On the other hand, I like the gifts and I don’t want to offend her by saying no.

Updates

1 mo

This best friend in particular is a woman. I have 6 best friends, 4 men, 2 women.

[Lliam]

I don't see anything wrong with her showing her friendship by giving you gifts. After all, she's an heiress and can afford nice things. She wants to share.

You do not have to feel obligated to give a physical gift back. Etiquette experts agree that a genuine expression of thanks is all that is required when someone gives you a present.

People feel an instinctual social pressure to return favors and gifts to keep social balance, but a true gift is given freely without expecting a financial or material exchange.

She just wants to be your friend. And your gratitude for her kindness builds a connection, lifts spirits, and spreads positive energy.

Be gracious.

[EzraIsShy76028]

It's okay as long as they're fine with it. If they weren't find with it they wouldn't be doing it.

[choco-latte]

If it was a good natured gift that she wanted to give to you, then there’s nothing wrong with it. She clearly could afford it and thought of you, she wanted you to have it otherwise she wouldn’t have bought it. Just keep it and appreciate it. I’m sure she bought it without expecting the same kind of gift from you. Just buy her something you’d know she’d love, could be something related to one of her interests. For example I have a friend who loves Harry Potter, so I just bought her a Harry Potter mug.

[_Jenny_]

@MissSunshine2 Receiving expensive gifts from a man that you are dating makes you feel obligated, but from a girlfriend it’s okay

[RachyRach]

If you're not asking for them and if she isn't throwing it in your face saying "I bought this for you so you need to do some for me" then I think it's fine.

It may just be her love language

[Nikki1989]

Receiving gifts feels awkward and wrong, but that is just me.

[Anonymous]

It’s fine. If she is wealthy she can afford it. Don’t offend her by saying no.

[Iron_Man]

Will he be your boyfriend?

[MissSunshine2]

I’m talking about one of my girl best friends, this time. The guy I was interested in probably won’t be my boyfriend.

[Iron_Man]

That’s up to you if you wanna accept fancy gifts from the girl, but not too much. what does she get you?

[MissSunshine2]

She got me some Skechers for my birthday and is getting me sapphire earrings for Christmas. She’s an heiress. They’re lovely gifts but I have tried to suggest that she doesn’t do it. I can’t afford to give her really good stuff.

[MissSunshine2]

I’m from an upper middle class family but I support myself on the pension.

[Iron_Man]

That was very nice of her

[MissSunshine2]

Yes, very sweet 🥰

[Iron_Man]

Yes 😊

[Anonymous]

Yes but don't let his wife find out.

[MissSunshine2]

This particular friend is a woman

[LiamS95]

Sure it's her perogative