Do You Struggle to Receive Gifts? You’re Not Alone

Have you ever felt like you’re always the one giving, but rarely on the receiving end? Growing up, gifts weren’t something I received often from every member of my family—except from my dad. He had a way of making me feel special with thoughtful surprises, while my mom focused on essentials. But as life moved on and my responsibilities grew, the gifts became fewer, and something unexpected happened—I struggled with receiving them. If you’ve ever felt the same way, let’s talk about why giving and receiving should be a two-way street

A Lifetime of Giving, But Rarely Receiving

If you’re like me—someone who comes from a family where responsibilities outweigh indulgences—you might find receiving gifts unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Growing up, my dad was the main person who gave me gifts. He was thoughtful, sometimes buying things I truly needed and other times just wanting to put a smile on my face. My mom, on the other hand, was practical—she bought me what I needed, not necessarily what I wanted. Among my siblings, one of them used to get me things during my early teenage years, but beyond that, receiving gifts was rare.

As I entered adulthood, life changed. My dad is no longer here, and I’ve had to accept that reality. With time, I realized that people often assume I have everything I need, so the thought of giving me gifts doesn’t cross their minds. It’s a strange feeling when people think you have it all together, even when you don’t.

The Joy and Challenge of Receiving

God has created us all differently—some are natural givers, some are receivers, and others fall somewhere in between. I’ve always been more of a giver, and while that brings me joy, it can also be exhausting when people start taking it for granted. Have you ever experienced that? The moment people assume you’ll always be there, always giving, always showing up—without considering that you, too, need to receive sometimes?

On the rare occasions that I do receive a gift, I’ve learned to be grateful—whether it’s exactly what I wanted or not. A gift isn’t just about the item itself; it’s about the thought behind it. But let’s be honest—there are times when receiving can feel awkward, especially when the gift is far from what you expected.

I remember a time in my 20s when I told my boyfriend exactly what I wanted for my birthday. I was very specific—I even showed him the exact style and color. But when my birthday came, he showed up with something entirely different. Not even remotely close! It was like asking for a watch and getting a shoe. I was perplexed, and unfortunately, I couldn’t hide my reaction. Was I wrong for feeling disappointed, or was he wrong for not listening?

The Heart of Giving

The Bible tells us in Acts 20:35 that “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” and Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” But while giving is a blessing, the Bible also instructs us to use wisdom in all things. This means giving should be intentional—not done out of obligation, guilt, or at the expense of our well-being.

As givers, we must set boundaries. We should give from a place of love, not pressure, and we must recognize when people start to take advantage of our generosity. There is wisdom in knowing when to say yes and when to say no.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re a natural giver or someone who enjoys receiving, it all comes down to balance. Those who receive should cultivate gratitude, and those who give should learn to set healthy boundaries. If you find it hard to receive, remind yourself that accepting a gift does not make you weak or needy—it allows someone else to experience the joy of giving.

At the end of the day, gifts—whether material or in the form of time, love, or kindness—are about connection. The world needs both givers and receivers. Which one are you? Let’s chat in the comments!