Gifts aren’t everything, but they are something. Gifts are an easy way for others to make us feel loved and appreciated. We all do so much for each other all year. We rely on each other, are there for each other during hard times, and make personal sacrifices so we can help improve each other’s lives. It’s what you do when you’re in a relationship with someone, whether it be platonic, romantic, or familial. But there isn’t a lot of time in the year when we get to recognize this. When we get to zoom out and take some time to be grateful for everything we do for each other. There are some helpful built-in holidays to do this, though, and if you’re the type to celebrate them, then you know how important they are. Maybe you’re the type of person who takes on a lot of responsibility in the family. You take the lead on cooking, cleaning, and paying all the bills that need to be paid. You might not expect much in return, but you can expect something. If you’re doing a gift exchange, the least you would expect is something in your stocking. 

That’s what one woman rightfully expected on Christmas Day with her boyfriend. Some red flags had arisen before, with him moving in with her after only three weeks of knowing each other. She was also taking on all the financial responsibility in the family. But she was willing to do all of that because she loved him.