SECRET STRATEGIES

Presents are personal achievements. That is to say, giving something which makes the recipient happy is a stand-in for kindness and affection, as well as an embodiment thereof. Which probably explains the shopping frenzy downtown today. People want love, it's as simple as that. And the merchant who capitalizes on exactly that motive will make a fortune.
With a bit of luck, some people will get the love they want.
Others will make due with expensive substitutes.
As well as exciting electronic gadgets.

Sometimes that's all it takes.

In some ways it's rather like the big brother approach at solving a problem; throw money at it till it goes away.

You may think this an unnecessarily cold and cynical point of view, but I hasten to add that I too will participate to some extent in the madness.
I like giving.
As a means of self-expression, it really isn't bad.

The well-chosen gift says so much about a person, even if the occasion itself is standardized and not at all spontaneous. When months or even years later the recipient is still delighted, the pleasure-echo is immense.
You really like it! Ergo, I'm not a bad sort.
Yep, feeling rather good about myself.

Something freely given that made another person happy is precious.
Merely buying an object for oneself doesn't quite cut it.
You give, because you get something in return.
It makes you feel good about yourself.

You already appreciate the other person, but heart-felt giving is a totally guilt-free way of deriving pleasure.
Joy enjoyed vicariously, great joy indeed.
And a very nice feeling, too.


Now go out there and make someone smile.
It's a great conspiracy, play your part.


The next move is yours.
Please plot it well.

Give of yourself.



==========================================================================
NOTE: Readers may contact me directly:
LETTER BOX.
All correspondence will be kept in confidence.
==========================================================================