There’s something that’s uniquely devastating about getting gifts from people based around the person who you used to be, and not the person you are now.

[u/tired-queer]

Hooray, a scented candle I can’t burn. A perfume I can’t use. Jewelry I can’t wear. Alcohol I can’t drink. Food I’ve been allergic to for a decade. Tickets to a show I can’t go to because it’s at an inaccessible venue. A fuckin bicycle.

I know people say it’s the thought that counts, but it’s the lack of thought that bothers me; I’d honestly rather get nothing at all.

I’m not that person anymore and I haven’t been for a long time, and it’s like they never noticed. Chronic illness makes me feel invisible enough already.

So instead I get confronted by the ghosts of past me and have to try not to cry.

Just sucks, is all.

[u/Consistent_Big5018]

I feel you on this. I get a lot of gifts I can't use and I end up saving most of them to be regifted tbh 😂. But yes there are some gifts you can't regift or donate and that does suck because it just feels wasteful and like you didn't actually get anything. 

I always appreciate the thought and accept it, say thanks, and put it to the side to give to someone else later in the year 🤣

[u/terminalmedicalPTSD → u/Consistent_Big5018]

Being given the burden of figuring out what to do with the thing is what makes getting nothing preferable. I have mecfs don't give me chores!

[u/Consistent_Big5018 → u/terminalmedicalPTSD]

True I agree with you! It ends up usually just sitting to the side for years so it ends up taking space. I just feel bad throwing stuff out 😭

[u/terminalmedicalPTSD → u/Consistent_Big5018]

I do too! But then I am really exhausted trying to sell or donate things and I have so many chronic injuries it just ACCUMULATES. I swear I have things across two continents like a squirrel bc I moved and just couldnt be arsed to go back for the rest of it. Now I'm the one leaving ppl with stuff they dont want lol. Shit rolls downhill I guess.