Just Ask Jenna Looks At Receiving Gifts

by Jenna C, ’26

Dear Jenna, 

I sometimes pretend to like a gift because I do not want to hurt the person who gave it to me. Then I keep getting similar gifts in the future, even though I never use them. Is it better to be honest, or keep going along with it?

From, 
Smiling Through It

Dear Smiling Through It,

Pretending to like a gift is something most people have done. In the moment, it feels polite and easier than having an uncomfortable conversation. Saying thank you and moving on can seem like the kind thing to do, especially when someone clearly meant well. 

In economics, this situation relates to preference falsification. Basically, preference falsification happens when people hide what they really think and say something else because of social pressure or a desire to fit in. When you say you love a gift you do not actually like, the other person takes that reaction seriously. They are not trying to get it wrong. They are just responding to what you showed them. Over time that small gap between what you feel and what you say can lead to more gifts that miss the mark.

This does not mean you need to be brutally honest or risk hurting someone’s feelings. It just helps to remember that always going along with it can create patterns you never intended. Sometimes being a little more honest early on is easier than pretending forever. 

Best of luck!
Jenna

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