| Giving has been a subject of study within human | | | | partner can show interest and strengthen ties. |
| behavior for a long time by psychologists, | | | | For many, a gift creates the component of |
| economists and merchants. They discovered that | | | | surprise that makes them feel excited, happy and |
| giving gifts is a surprisingly complex and important | | | | appreciated. Have you ever seen someone's face |
| part of human interaction that helps to define | | | | when you give them something unexpected? |
| relationships and strengthen ties with family and | | | | Try to remember that picture and you will see |
| friends. Psychologists say that it is often the giver | | | | why giving a gift is something that works in a |
| more than the receiver, who reaps the greatest | | | | magical way. But the biggest effect of gift giving |
| psychological return from a gift. | | | | is seen in ourselves. Giving to another reinforces |
| The social value of giving has been recognized | | | | our feelings for them and makes us feel happier. |
| throughout the history of mankind, but when did it | | | | To have a better idea of the psychological effect |
| begin? For thousands of years some native | | | | of giving, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth |
| cultures have celebrated potlatch, a complex | | | | University studied the gifts that the owners gave |
| ceremony that celebrates the act of giving. | | | | to their pets and found that their inspiration arises |
| Although cultural interpretations often vary, the | | | | from the desire to bring happiness to the animals |
| position of a family in a clan or village was defined | | | | and provide comfort and affection. The study |
| not according to who had more possessions but | | | | may seem frivolous but it also provides an insight |
| by who gave more. The more generous the | | | | into the nature of the act of gift giving, since pets |
| potlatch, the more prestige the family earned. | | | | can not return them in the same way. When |
| When we speak about giving, men are more | | | | someone gives something to a person they have |
| conscious of price and practicality when it comes | | | | the pressure of reciprocity, but not so with pets. |
| to giving and receiving gifts. Women are different | | | | The study shows there is much pleasure in giving |
| in that they have to worry more about giving and | | | | and in knowing that one has been remembered |
| receiving gifts with emotional significance. Giving | | | | by someone. |
| gifts is often the most obvious way in which a | | | | |