We’ve all unwrapped a present we really didn’t like before, but some are better at hiding their reaction than others. A new survey finds that more than half of Americans have needed to use their “resting gift face” during the holidays to mask their disappointment with a present.
The poll of 2-thousand U.S. adults looks into the practice of using “resting gift face” - which is the expression someone gives, intentionally or not, when they get a gift that confuses them or just misses the mark.
- Over the last three years, the average person has received two presents they just didn’t like.
- So, how can you tell if someone isn’t happy with a gift? Avoiding eye contact is the biggest sign (24%), followed by showing a fake smile (20%), changing the tone of their voice (16%) or talking too much about how great the gift looks (16%).
- But 56% of respondents cleverly conceal their true feelings with their “resting gift face” and 57% believe they’ve mastered it.
- Gifts from family members (34%), significant others (29%) and friends (28%) are most likely to get a “resting gift face” reaction.
- More than half (53%) of those polled say they can always tell when others dislike a present.
- Presentation is important when giving gifts during the holidays, according to 81%.
- The first thing people notice when getting a present is the size (18%), then the color or pattern of the wrapping paper (17%), how neatly it’s been wrapped (14%) and if there’s a card or note with the gift (11%).
- The things that make a gift feel special are when there’s thought behind the gift (42%), it recalls a memory of the gift-giver (16%) and if it has sentimental value (15%).
The Top Go-To Responses for a Disliked Gift
- “Thank you for thinking of me” (27%)
- “I love it!” (23%)
- “I really appreciate this” (21%)
- “You shouldn’t have!” (13%)
- “What a thoughtful present” (13%)
Source: SWNS Digital
Scott's Thoughts:
- Okay, but aren’t those the same responses you say when you actually love a present?!
- It has happened to me many times. I am a pretty good actor so I think I hide it better than most, if I say so myself.
- Nothing is as bad as those dirty Santa Gift Exchanges at company Christmas Parties!