Self-List Giving

A young married couple, Todd and Diane are opening Christmas presents with Todd's parents. Gradually, it becomes apparent that each person has given a gift they would have rather received themselves. Todd receives another tool from his father, as well as the inherent pressure to be "Mr. Fix-it" like his dad. Diane receives an espresso maker from her mother-in-law, who wants Diane to be more domestic. Todd and Diane are frustrated with their parent's inconsiderate gifts, but they also demonstrate similar insensitivity in what they choose to give. In the end, each person has gravitated toward the gift they gave, rather than the one they received. Keywords: Meeting needs, Expressing value, Expectations, Disappointment, Draining relationships, family relationships, parent/child relationships, Christmas. Casting: 2 males, 2 femalesPoling, Judson is the author of 'Self-List Giving', published 2002 under ISBN 9780744143973 and ISBN 0744143977.