Sentimental or Funny: The Great Birthday Card Debate

Each year, millions of birthday card shoppers face the same eternal question as they stare helplessly at the rows of paper cards: do they purchase the overly heartfelt, sentimental message or one that is sure to bring a smile or maybe even a chuckle to the recipient? The answer to this debilitating question is neither simple nor concrete, as each card giver must choose the correct course of action for themselves.

By definition, the card is nothing more than an extension of the giver's own wishes for the recipient. Therefore, it would seem only logical that it should mirror those wishes. Of course there is no clear cut answer to this debate as each card giver must allow their emotions to dictate the type of card they use. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines, no master list of who should receive what type of card. Whether family members always necessitate sentimental message or if Grandma has a sense of humor is a question that every card giver must ask themselves.

Sentimental cards would seem better suited for family or close friends, however, many people feel strange about using a generic card to express sentiment and thus turn to humor to diffuse any awkwardness. This can often be the case for those in newer romantic relationships where sending an overly heartfelt card may complicate the budding romance. On the opposite side of the coin, sending a new partner a funny card may in turn prompt them to feel a sense of unrequited love, thus hurting the relationship. With both options presenting perilous results, the card giver once again is left to walk this fine line, wondering on which side to tempt fate.

In general, relying on a mass-produced paper card to express a specific sentiment or feeling can be a risky proposition. Even the most sentimental cards may not provide the right verbiage to express the desired type of birthday wish. Using a blank card with an image that would speak to the recipient presents a good third option as it allows the giver to write their own, more personalize message, tailored specifically to the recipient.

While jokes and funny images would seem the perfect card choice, they can easily cause problems for the sender as well. Some jokes may not be relatable and thus confuse the recipient. In such instances the card fails to provide the desired humorous response, but instead alienates the recipient who is left wondering why they didn't get the joke. In extreme instances, the joke, while funny to the giver, may even prove offensive to the recipient, thus creating an entirely new set of problems.

Sometimes more important than the gifts they accompany, cards help to extend birthday wishes and share sentiment. However, it is important to focus on selecting the right type of card in order to prevent ruining the birthday wish and quite possibly the gift itself.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6287612

james durbin rajinikanth telugu news sun news headlines today lauryn hill austin weather