Hello.

I am 20 years old and my boyfriend is 26. We’ve been together nearly 2 years. He recently went to Italy on a family vacation. When he left we had a conversation about “gifts/souvenirs” that he would bring back for me. I told his specifically that I wanted very small things if anything, because I have recently really been trying to minimize how many things I own and adopt a more minimalist lifestyle in general. Currently my philosophy is that any souvenir that I get for myself when I travel has to be small enough to hold in my fist. I had a problem with knick knacks in the past, figurines and boxes and that sort of thing. I’ve made great progress in getting rid of anything that doesn’t have a lot of sentimental value to me.

To cut a long story short he brings me back quite a few gifts. Most of them I really love. A pair of earrings, a small drawing journal, a magnet, things that are useful or small(or both). But then he pulls out a big jewelry box. It’s pretty, with a ballerina on it. I love that he was so thoughtful, because I’m a ballet dancer. He said as soon as he saw it he knew it was the perfect gift for me. And I love him for that so much. But I can’t help but really not like it.

I feel horribly guilty that all I want to do is tuck it away in the back of my closet when he was so considerate and generous. And he really is the most generous and kind person I know, which are some of the reasons why I fell in love with him.

I just don’t know how to get past the fact that I don’t want and don’t like this particular gift. Please help!