Many couples purchase thoughtful gifts for each other throughout the year. This can vary from one price to another, and depending on the relationship, they can become quite expensive. Some couples have set expectations for one another regarding how often and how much should be purchased. Many feel the pressure of social media and its unrealistic view, leading couples to feel defeated by how much they can spend on gifts and how much they receive. When turning on their phones and seeing what others receive on social media apps, people may start to hold higher standards than their partner can keep up with, ultimately creating problems. Many high schoolers in relationships might hold them as well; it could be hard for students to live up to these assumptions, especially if they don’t have a job to pay for the gifts.
Paige Greene, senior, has been in her relationship for a little over three months, and both receives and purchases small gifts for her partner pretty often: “Once or twice a week, but small things like a drink or something, so definitely not anything crazy.” Greene said that this has not caused any issues for their relationship and that they are very thoughtful. Recalling that she spends the most money around Christmas, due to her love for gift-giving. She also has no expectations for them, and neither does her boyfriend, as they are both currently saving for college. As well as that, she also voiced that they both want to give cheap things, typically around $100, when they can get them. Greene said she currently works at Famous Footwear, which helps her towards college savings, and leaves some extra money to buy small gestures for those she loves, including her boyfriend. She also believes that, rather than focusing on spending, she cares more about thoughtfulness than expenses. With this, she says she and her significant other have put in enough effort, and if one didn’t, they would be comfortable enough to communicate this to each other. Greene explains that receiving a gift means a lot to her, saying, “It feels good, it’s always nice to know someone cares.” She expressed that her ideal expectation is to give small, meaningful things to each other, typically weekly. To her, these gifts make her feel as though her boyfriend really appreciates her and understands how she is feeling at times.
Another student, Dominic Collier, sophomore, who currently has a girlfriend, Evelett Landa, who also attends the high school, said that they purchase gifts for one another. Although they don’t hold any specific expectations for each other, Collier feels that, as the boy, he should buy more for her. He said, “Oh, me 100%, I don’t expect her to buy anything really,” emphasizing how, since Collier is the boyfriend, the stereotypes of how the boy should typically buy more are being expressed with Landa, which he does not mind doing, as he really cares for her. To him, receiving gifts is very thoughtful, and it means a lot, even the small ones. “Something like even a handwritten note, every once in a while. That’s like all you can ask for,” Collier said. He also feels as if the smaller gifts are more meaningful to him and that he would rather give thoughtful offerings to Landa than receive them from her. Regarding the gifts, Collier says he is currently applying for jobs, which he says will make it easier for him to afford them for her. He also says that the most money is spent around Christmas, with all the holiday gestures they exchange. It’s clear that he likes the smaller sentimental presents that he receives, and it makes him feel cared for and appreciated by many people when they give those small things.
Both individuals clearly show plenty of care for their significant others and are interested in gift-giving to their partners. Although these two feel this way, the same may not be true for others, who have their own values and ways of making each other feel special. These gestures are just their way of showing their partner how much they matter. On the other hand, large gifts can also be worthy, given the appreciation they represent, just in a different way than small presents. Overall, gifts, whether small or large, play a significant role in how couples express their feelings and care for one another. Both Greene and Collier explain that communication about expectations and feelings is crucial in their relationships, proving that both partners feel valued. As each couple navigates life, it’s the thought and effort that count, making both giving and receiving gifts meaningful parts of their relationships.
