Survey #186 Response from Janice the broccoli cooker

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PronounsShe/her
Statement #1: When I give valuable things to friends or family, I worry that they will turn around and give them away.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #2: When I give something away, I accept that I have no further claim to it, which gives me peace of mind.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #3: I only give things on the condition that the recipients will involve me in any decisions about the future disposition of things I’ve given them.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #4: I find it discouraging when I give useful and valuable things to friends and family who don't appreciate it.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #5: Worrying about what happens to things after you give them away is letting stuff hold too much power over you.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #6: It means a lot to me that my children recognize and understand the importance and value of items from our family’s history.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #7: Even though my stuff has become a burden in my life, it’s hard to let go of good things to people who don’t appreciate them.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #8: Remaining attached to our stuff and feeling like we need to find a good home for each item arises out of a need to remain in control.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Statement #9: When people don’t want the thing you give to them, it isn’t a judgment on you or the value of your gift.
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
What factors do you consider when you’re thinking about giving things away to family members, friends, neighbors, or other people you know?I hope they get use out of it. If they don't want it I strongly, strongly prefer they say thanks but no thanks, I don't have a use for it, or I don't care for it, please give it to another, etc. Then I wonder, if they wonder, what I was thinking to select that person as a recipient.
Sort of an example is, a school mom said to me when I was in line with my child: " hey this broccoli I made last night stinks when I cooked it, I will give it to Janice ( me) because she knows how to cook it." Everybody sort of collectively gasped at that, but her intention was good.

So . I guess when someone has stinky broccoli they think of me !!!! because I am a Vegan and I know how to cook that stuff, but what a way to say it!

And so does it go with things, like (me to proposed recipient)" This brooch is pretty and would go nice with your red hair," for example, and the proposed recipient might say "Hey this old brooch reminds me of my grandmother in the nursing home and how weak and sickly she was, no I don't want that brooch, why would you ask me such a thing?"

So, gifting is tricky, at least in my experience, so I greatly prefer to give it to the universe ( Goodwill) with no strings or hurt feelings. I know some people don't have a problem with gifting at all, but it has always backfired on me. Letting it ALL go with anonymity works for me.
What factors do you consider when you’re thinking about donating items to a charity, shelter, or unknown recipient?Is it clean, working , modern, useful and something I would want in my home? Is it full of pet hair, or dusty, or so old it is brittle or dry rotted somehow? Trash. If nice, give. I used to take my heavy duty long winter coats I no longer needed in my trunk. I worked in the inner city in a hospital with a lot of poverty and homelessness. I would put $20 in the pocket and when I saw someone about my size huddled outside I would give them the coat and tell them to look in the pocket. I did not expect any thank you, but it sure felt good to help someone with something useful. It would have helped more if I could give them a warm place to stay, it is all a matter of perspective. Give what you can but make sure it is nice, and useful.
What is your all-time favorite hand-me-down, cast-off, or regifted item?I regifted a set of hot curlers from my new mother-in-law because I had curly hair, but she never saw me with my natural hair because I always straightened it. So, I was delighted to give it away to someone who wanted curly hair and I still loved her thoughtfulness.
Name one or more of your favorite Clutter Fairy-isms (e.g., “thin the herd”) or decluttering and organizing mnemonic devices (e.g., OHIO—Only Handle It Once).peeling the onion and eating an elephant one bite at a time.
Here’s your chance to ask Gayle and Ed any question you’re curious about. It need not be related to this survey’s topic(s).I have so many old watches that either just need batteries or the band is broken. Nobody wants them but I feel bad throwing them in the garbage. I can't find any crafters who might want to disassemble and use parts for artworks. I was a nurse and they are all stainless steel solid metal. Any thought on keeping them out of the landfill?
Future topics

revisit feeling overwhelmed , not at where to start, but when arriving at the center of clutter after the easy stuff is done. When stuff is useful and in great condition, but not used because it was stored improperly. It is like shopping at home now that i have retired and am able and very willing to get use out of a 3rd bedroom, formerly called the junk room. It is going to be renamed, my craft room, complete with a knitting machine and I will ( and have) knit for the homeless hats and scarves and am learning how to make mittens.

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