Thoughtful Gifting Strengthens Relationships – Counselor
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Counselor and ADR practitioner Frank Edem Adofoli has urged individuals not to take their relationships for granted, especially because of familiarity.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, Mr. Adofoli noted that people often assume their loved ones will always be there for them, whether it is an uncle, mother, father, or close friend and as a result, fail to intentionally express appreciation.
“Sometimes we take relationships for granted because of familiarity. We assume the person is always there for us,” he said.
He explained that giving a gift is not merely about the item itself, but about communicating gratitude and reaffirming the value of the relationship.
“When you give someone a token, you are saying, ‘Even though you’ve always been there for me, I do not take you for granted. I appreciate you,’” he stated.
Mr. Adofoli emphasized that gift-giving should not be limited to romantic relationships or occasions such as Valentine’s Day. According to him, everyone who plays a meaningful role in one’s life deserves to feel valued.
He advised that gifts must be thoughtful and centered on the recipient, not the giver.
“Gift-giving is about thoughtfulness. Ask yourself: What does this person need? What is valuable or relevant to them? The gift is not about you; it is about the person you are giving it to,” he explained.
He illustrated this with examples: a grandmother who enjoys a particular snack from a specific brand, a father who supports a certain football team and might appreciate a customized jersey, or a child who loves a particular toy in a favorite color.
“You are thinking about what that gift will do for the person. You consider them one by one and what will strengthen your bond with them, whether it is your grandparent, your child, or your romantic partner,” he added.
Mr. Adofoli concluded that intentional and personalized gifts speak volumes about appreciation and help deepen relationships, reinforcing emotional connections beyond the material value of the item.
