The Trouble With Gift Horses
The fine art of pretending you love it
Once again, while chatting with a friend, something she said sparked a visual that led to this piece.
They say, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” But what if the horse shows up with crooked teeth, bad breath, and a suspicious limp? At some point, you have to wonder if this “gift” is really a gift at all or just an obligation wrapped in shiny paper.
We’ve all been there. The sweater that looks like it was knit during a blackout. The fruitcake that should come with a hard-hat warning. The “decorative” candle that smells like regret and motor oil. Someone hands it to you with joy in their eyes, and you smile… because what else can you do?
The truth is, not all gifts are blessings. Some are tests. Can you still muster gratitude when the present itself feels like a practical joke? Can you rise to the occasion and pretend this hand-painted mug that says Live, Laugh, Lint Roll is exactly what you needed?
Maybe that’s the deeper meaning of the saying. It isn’t about horses at all. It’s about grace. The ability to nod, grin, and say “thank you” while quietly plotting where to stash the monstrosity. The closet? The donation bin? Re-gift roulette?
So the next time someone warns you not to look a gift horse in the mouth, just smile. After all, you’ll be the one saddled with it.
Because just like an unwanted present, life has a way of handing you things you never asked for, and the real test is how you choose to respond.
I’m always grateful to receive anything but also known to be a regifter and/or recycler. With age I’ve learned to place tags with the name of the gifter on the gift so I won’t return the gift to that person. My honest friends admit they do the same. It’s only regifted if I feel someone would like it, otherwise it’s donated. Life is too short to hang in to any unnecessary “clutter”. I’m at the age of downsizing and decluttering 😉
Standing in your own truth, learn to speak softly and know when to recognize gift or foe.