Why It's Difficult for Someone to Receive a Gift

A person who gives often struggles to receive. Why is that? 

A hurt or a pain from the past makes it difficult to receive a gift -- whether it's a compliment or a present. A person who has trouble receiving a gift has likely been betrayed, struggles to feel worthy of someone's goodness, or they don't want to feel like they're a burden and owe someone a favor. 

This holiday season, I'd like to encourage you to open your heart to the gifts of others. Perhaps the person giving is responding to their calling or a prayer. It brings them joy to give or to use their talents, and to deny their gifts is to deny their experience of joy. 

[Note: This is in reference to genuine giving and not in the context of receiving gifts from someone who chooses to do so out of manipulation, control or abuse.]

Seeking to connect with others? Join one of Dr. Henry Cloud's Boundaries Peer Groups. 

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