Dear Thonny,

This Valentine’s Day, I received a lot of treats and gifts from my friends. I am really thankful that my friends cared so much to get me things and make me feel special, but I can’t help but feel bad. I had nothing prepared to give them because I didn’t know we were giving out treats. Does receiving these gifts from my friends and not giving anything back make me a bad person?

Sincerely,
A worried valentine

Dear worried valentine,

Just because someone gives you a gift does not mean you have to give them something in return. Your friends chose to get you treats for Valentine’s Day.

A lot of people choose to believe that it is common courtesy to give something back just because they give you a gift, but I personally think that gifts are given with the intent of showing love and how much you care for someone.

They can also be given as a way of showing how grateful you are, but they are certainly not given to repay people for receiving something from them.

There’s no need for you to feel bad about receiving these gifts, and I don’t think you are a bad person.
Instead of worrying, be grateful for your friends and how much they love you. Remember that friendship isn’t transactional.

Sincerely,

Thonny