-
Step 1
Mentally prepare yourself before you open a gift. Keep your expectations low and don't expect anything amazing. This will reduce the intensity of the disappointment when you find out it's a bad gift. It's better to psychologically prepare yourself by warning yourself that there's a chance the gift could be awful.
-
Step 2
Smile when you open the gift, no matter how shocked you may actually be about it. You should do this at all times unless the gift is obviously offensive to your beliefs and the giver should have known better. Excusable poor taste doesn't include a giant stone phallic symbol or an unwanted subscription to a bondage porn magazine.
-
Step 3
Thank the giver for the thought. It's not necessary to heap praises on a gift you don't like. But be aware that the person may have put a lot of thought into getting the gift for you even if they obviously have no idea what you like or dislike. A comment along the lines of, "How thoughtful of you," is perfectly acceptable when said along with a smile and eye contact.
-
Step 4
Compliment the gift in a neutral way. If you don't like the gift but feel that you should say something positive about it, find a general way to do so. A hideous vase, for example, could be complimented with a general comment like: "I love vases." Comments on the color, size and craftsmanship can also work as general compliments.
-
Step 5
Keep a light tone of voice. You don't want to give away your disappointment with your tone of voice.
