I find it really hard to accept gifts.

Because they really do come with strings, expectations, desires and shit.

And further... when i give a gift, i listen to what the person complains about, listen to what they like and i build the perfect thing to solve their complaints. (usually some box or cabinet that perfectly holds what they complain doesn't fit...)

I spend a lot of time getting knowledge of the person and their preferences.

I sorta expected that they would do the same.
However, what i have found is that most people buy you a present based on their preferences, and their view of the world.

Like this christmas i got two long sleeve shirts. Very nice, very expensive.
And i have only worn one once. It's rarely cold enough to wear a long sleeve shirt.
And my work is one where you do not wear a nice, expensive shirt to.

So, to me, i have a lot of money (that could have been spent on tools or food) just
sitting there collecting dust.

Further, i need to remember to wear it when meeting with this friend.
And wear it nicely, prominently. Because that is the real desire in the gift being given.

I find it such a pain.