Am i being cynical or not?

Question

i have developed this opinion that baby, wedding, and bridal showers are bartering parties. seems to me one shouldnt have to give to get a gift otherwise is the gift still that or just a trade? at these parties one trades food and entertainment for presents.

i figure if someone wants to celebrate in my happiness thats fine (nothing against bachelorette, birthday parties, and such) but such parties as listed above is basically bartering to me and if the only way a person will give me a gift is if i have a gathering then i dont think i want that gift. to me its somewhat insincere.

Answer 1

If you don't want to go to these events then don't.

But do you give gifts to your friend when they have a baby or get married even if  there isn't a party?

The whole idea isn't bartering food for gifts but a celebration. A baby shower is to welcome a new baby and mother into a whole new world while helping to supply her with the things they may need. A wedding/bridal shower is to help transition a couple into a married life by supplying them with the things they need also all of this while celebrating.

If you so feel that it isn't something you want to be involved in then don't go but don't send out invites when you are making these transitions in life. The deal is a two way street.

Answer 2

The art (yes, the 'art') if gift-giving and gift-receiving has been lost and is slowly becoming a chore for most people. I agree with you but I've been fortunate that not everyone who I have given gifts to has treated the act as merely a bartering system.

Answer 3

that's the way it is!

Answer 4

Agreed. If someone feels it necessary to give a gift for anything in general they should do it at random and it should be sincere and well thought out. These traditions are becoming old hat.

Answer 5

I agree

Answer 6

A little cynical, but you're right. Unfortunately, these gatherings are somewhat unavoidable and you just have to decide to try to get some enjoyment out of them despite their flaws, or not. Choice is yours.