In our culture, on what occasions do we expect that if we receive a gift, we should give a gift in return? What is the giver's reaction if giving isn't reciprocated?
In our American culture I think all gift giving occasions expect a gift back when a gift is given, except helping a family out when they have lost a love one. This would be taking the family meals during their time of grief. All other gift giving occasions such as Christmas, Birthday's, etc. expect a gift a gift when it their turn coming around. If a gift is not given back to the person that did give a gift there is a mixed response. Some people respond by a self kept disappointment while others might be a little open about it a back stab others not giving a gift back. This though is only a minority of people as gift giving is perceived as a kind present that doesn't require giving back a gift because it is not about getting something in return for your kindness but is about making the other person happy.
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