A rock and a hard place
so I usually buy a watch linked to a memory or achievement. I look at the watches I own and am reminded of that moment or person or achievement that is linked to that watch. I very recently had one of those "big" birthdays, and my dad kindly gifted me a G-Shock. my problem I really dislike it. please do not mistake this for being ungrateful I really appreciate the gesture. it's just I'm not that boisterous or adventurous. I dislike it to the point where I wouldn't wear it defeating the point.
im not sure where he purchased it from as its no longer available from Casio
my question is...
A) do I disappoint my father with the news that I don't like it?
or
B) keep it even though I would never wear it?
thank you
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I would be honest and say I hate this, but I really appreciate the gesture. Maybe we could go out and exchange this one for something we pick out together that I'll like and wear often.
Then you can always associate whatever you get with that memory, and have something you're proud to wear.
I've done this with gifts from my own dad. I find people are usually glad to accommodate exchanging a gift for something you'll like better. Unless your family dynamic is very different.
I guess you could position the conversation as it’s uncomfortable to wear. Tell him when you put it on, the fit rubs or pinches while it on. That makes the conversation much easier . Just a thought.
I would be honest and say I hate this, but I really appreciate the gesture. Maybe we could go out and exchange this one for something we pick out together that I'll like and wear often.
Then you can always associate whatever you get with that memory, and have something you're proud to wear.
I've done this with gifts from my own dad. I find people are usually glad to accommodate exchanging a gift for something you'll like better. Unless your family dynamic is very different.
thank you for your reply.
the plot thickens though. he is about to leave the country in a week's time to retire abroad. we live at opposite ends of the UK too so I won't get to see him before he goes. I don't want to leave him with a problem just before he flies.
Well in that case I would probably just sell or re-gift it. No sense having a watch you won’t wear.
Come on, man! Tell him it's not your style and you are going to trade it for something you really like. No father would be disappointed.
That's what I would do.
I had a similar situation at Christmas. After hinting I might maybe like an old watch (and sending her a link to a site with a load of awesome vintage rado and the like for £90 ish..) - she decided to get me a whole bunch of children’s Flik flak watches..
because I am sentimental I will keep them - but it’s not exactly what I had in mind!
I would keep it as the gesture means more than the actual watch or whether you’ll use it. I personally wouldn’t ask for an exchange because he would’ve spent some time mulling over what design to get you (although a miss in your case). It’s a bit tricky here because it’s a G-Shock (and idk how long these resin watches last), but perhaps you can pass this on to your son/daughter/niece/nephew in the future. Just my two cents.
That is an interesting watch. You can display it at your house and when people ask, WTF? You can tell them, that’s the watch my Dad gave me.
BTW, the MTGB2000 generally runs about a grand, so not some cheap Casio.
What's not to like? Can you mod it to better suit your preference?
I thought standard practice with awkward gifts was to wear them when around the giver, at least for a while. Apparently that won't be long in your case.
OK sell it and if you feel bad get your dad a watch to make up for it. I see other g shocks fans who pass this one because it's wild! It might grow on you?
I'm 61 and having a link to my past is irreplaceable. I have grandparents, mother and father watches, my graduation watches from parents, Christmas gifts from family and they all have memories tied to them. I don't wear them, but will be handing them down to my boys someday with all my watches lol
Your choice and hope you get what you want.
Cheers!
I think the real question to ask yourself is "who am I?" Am a person who values a material thing over the sentiment, bond and feelings of my Family member? You get to choose your reality on this one and live with your choice. Just my .02 cents.
I think the real question to ask yourself is "who am I?" Am a person who values a material thing over the sentiment, bond and feelings of my Family member? You get to choose your reality on this one and live with your choice. Just my .02 cents.
I appreciate the gesture, I really do. Each of the five watches I have hold sentiment. And I enjoy wearing them, they are not locked away they each tell a story with the daily wear and battle scars. I like G-Shock and can appreciate this particular model is not cheap either. It’s because he has spent so much money I feel guilty not wearing it. It’s perfect in regards of type of gift, I feel It is special because it’s from my father and know he won’t be around forever. I want to be reminded of the good times, I want to glance down and think about what the watch means to me. It’s just I dislike the colour scheme so much that would never leave the box.
BTW, the MTGB2000 generally runs about a grand, so not some cheap Casio.
yeah, I know. thats another aspect that makes it hard. he has spent a lot on something that won't get used.
I’d make my decision after you find out if it can be returned or not. Maybe try to find that out first.
if it can’t be returned then keep it and say nothing
If it can be returned then I’d suggest a shopping trip with your Dad to find something at an equal price. Make a day if it. Make a memory of a lovely day together