Appreciating crafts and receiving them

Anyone who knows me well will know I'm quite a practical person. Sometimes, too practical. And will try to save money on better things, though when it comes to food, I'll succumb.

For as long as I can remember, I don't like chocolates, lollies, soft drinks, sweet drinks, flowers, decorative items, heels, make-up and dressing up.

The one thing I cannot understand is giving cards. Friends give cards for almost everything! Birthdays, festivals, thank you, get well soon, etc. Ever since migrating to Brisbane, I have struggled to accept cards from people. A lot of them were hand-made cards, which made it even more difficult to decide what to do with them. For the past few years, I have kept them in the drawer after reading them. I threw everything out at a recent major house clean-up.

Had this conversation with husband and he said that it's a form of affirmation and appreciation towards me and I should accept them with an open heart.

I have no problems with people making cards or sending cards. I do know of a handful of people who are great crafts people and make beautiful cards!

I have a problem when it's made for and sent to me. You see, everytime I receive a card, I'll read it and it either goes straight to the bin, or will sit in my drawer for a couple of years before being thrown out into the bin. Doesn't matter whether it's store bought or hand made. I don't know what to do with them. Recently, Miss 2 gets to cut them up after I have read them. I felt a little better that the card was put to good use in developing a child's fine motor skills.

The first thought that came to my mind was thoughtfulness on the sender which I greatly appreciate. The next few thoughts that flashed through usually include "a waste of time and money on me", "can save the postage and paper on others." etc.

I have come to ask friends not to give me any cards. A text, or email, or a word in person works better. Or, something practical, like a Coles gift card.

Until I can appreciate the receiving of cards, I'm going to stick to a no-cards policy.