Ack. Poor Mac. Poor msbelle.

Seriously.

You're a better person than I am if charcoal briquettes aren't on your shopping list this Christmas given that response.

There are certainly more complex issues here than mac learning appreciation.

Sometimes, I think there is so much pressure on how the giver feels and how much appreciation is anticipated and expected. Which, I get is rational and reasonable.

I prefer completely anonymous giving so I don't have to worry about whether or not someone shows me appreciation. Just give and go. It's not up to me to understand whether someone is grateful or disappointed.

Today is just a pissy mood day so I basically hate everything.

Whoo, I'm kinda with you on that, msbelle. Let's run away and join a circus or something.

But with that said, poor mac and poor you. I hope things get easier.

I kind of understand the place Mac's in--suddenly the acquisition of a gift is in his court, he's got this potential, and he doesn't want to screw it up and get something and find out that it isn't as great as he thought it would be. I often got that way when given money as presents. I still suffer from it, when contemplating doing/getting something I think I want, because the actuality is so rarely as cool as the anticipation.

You, having been laser-bitten, will soon begin to shoot lasers out of your pores when you are irritated. It will be like Hulking out, only with lasers.

Uh oh. Everyone in airports had better WATCH OUT. My face might laser you because you are too damn slow, and in my way! Like, always.

I prefer completely anonymous giving so I don't have to worry about whether or not someone shows me appreciation. Just give and go. It's not up to me to understand whether someone is grateful or disappointed.

Yep, this is my feeling exactly. You don't need to deal with the complexities of their feelings about it, and they don't need to deal with any (real or perceived) expectations of thanks or future reciprocation. Better they should get what they need without any emotional baggage attached.

Lots of ~ma, Matt.

I dunno, being gracious is a learned skill.

And a hard one even when you haven't had the psychological complexities that Mac has had. I am so sorry it's hard on msbelle but I realize it's not easy in Mac's brain either.

Hell, I can't figure out how to connect with Nephlet's brain to show him that he's hurting himself most of all and it makes me want to cry and beg and just go away all at the same time.

The strength other people show is amazing. msbelle is totally amazing.

Everyone in airports had better WATCH OUT. My face might laser you because you are too damn slow, and in my way! Like, always.

Oooh, let's travel together.

Now I'm feeling decrepit for having lines on my face.

Maybe you need FACE LASERS, shrift! Or possibly a new job.

They do hurt like the dickens, though. But this time they hurt less, and I didn't cry. I just flinched each time she made it go.

Cass, I will plow my way through crowds, walking speedily through terminals, having my boarding pass and ID ready, and my liquids and laptop out, my shoes off, and then back on again quickly. I will have my credit card ready, and know where the best latte is, and I will walk down the escalator rather than blocking it with myself and my bag so no one else can get through. I will find my seat quickly, and I will place one carryon under the seat in front of me and the other in the overhead bin. This I promise.