I think this conversation between my wife and I sums it up:
“You already have a pair almost exactly like those, don’t you?”
“But these shoes are completely different! I’ve been looking for a pair like this for a long time.”
“How are they different?”
“The heel is 1/2″ shorter, for one.”
“Um, okay. But you never wear that other pair anymore, why don’t you at least give them away to make room in the closet for this new pair?”
“I can’t give away that pair, they were a present.”
“A present from who?”
“Myself.”
How true. I never used to consider myself to be much of a shoe gal, but right now I own more shoes than I ever have in my entire life. And around half of them are black high heels. All completely different of course…
And, your point about this conversation would be what, exactly? I only have about 35 pairs of shoes, so I’m always on the lookout for ones that I need (just so you know, there is a big difference in a 1/2″ change in heels!).
My point was that when someone says they can’t part with something because it was a gift, that usually implies some sentimentality–a gift from a parent, loved one, etc. Not a gift from “myself”. 🙂