A long-distance friend had a January birthday, and I wanted a gift that reflected her personality and tastes. I was stumped.
One December afternoon, I perused Christmas gift bags at JOANN Fabrics. One rack featured women in 1960’s outfits. The writing on one snowy scene declared, “Shopping in a Winter Wonderland.” Faye loved retro, snow, and shopping. I bought the bag. Now I needed the gift.
On the way to the car, I thought how Faye would love the bag even without a gift inside.
Go back and buy more of those gift bags for her birthday,” I thought. “She would love them all.”
I used the long checkout line as an excuse to dismiss my irrational thoughts. My friend would never judge a gift from me, but empty gift bags?
A week later, I was back at JOANN Fabrics and took the plunge. I mailed Faye an assortment of empty gift bags. Inside her birthday card, I warned that the birthday present was strange. Intrigued, Faye opened it early. She, her family, and her even friends loved my idea.
Want a perfect gift? Follow your instincts. Risk being wrong.
When has a friendship risk paid off?
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