What will be shall be

Gift

One of the things I hated most is being tasked to buy a birthday present for a girl by my group of friends. It's not the hassle of specially going to buy or having to pay first but rather my incapability of choosing things for a girl. Throughout my 24 years of manhood I suppose the number of times I have bought something for a girl can be calculated by one hand. As for all my ex-girlfriends it's more of them telling me what they want and then me buying it on the spot. No surprises, no gimmicks, no nothing. I'm a boring boyfriend really.

And my dear friends, despite knowing my this handicap, had to ask me to buy the present for this upcoming birthday girl. "You are the most free person this week liao. The rest of us have to work leh. You whole week on off mah," they said. Then I truly have got no excuses to offer. The lesson learnt is to never reveal your off days in the future.

It used to be so much easier in the past. Any soft toy would have done the job. But people do grow up. Soft toys are only for 18 and below. I cracked my brain but still couldn't come up with a solution on what to give for a 23 year old girl. I needed advice.

I called up a couple of my girl-friends for help and they recommended stuffs like jewellery, perfume and handbags. But the problem was that I might choose something which was not to the girl's liking due to the differences in tastes. And I have a proven track record in that aspect, sad to say.

I spent nearly an hour walking round Plaza Singapura and it appeared fruitless. Nothing seemed to be suitable. Either the price is wrong or I know she wouldn't like something like that. I was desperate and already thinking of calling her up personally to ask her what she wants for her birthday.

I decided to give the calling help-line one more try. Perhaps my sister will be able to help as she always help to celebrate other people's birthdays. And the advice she gave me was the best ever, solving this problem I have once and for all.

"Buy voucher la! Easiest liao. Get a $100 or $200 voucher for her so that she can come and shop for the things she like herself. Better for both parties mah!"

And so, in the future when it's your birthday and you know that I am getting your present, don't expect a surprise. Your present is going to come in the form of an envelope, no doubt about it.

posted by malmoncolo @ 11:46 AM