Survey #186 Response from Anonymous user

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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?The first factor is that they would be able to enjoy it. For example, I recently found out that a new friend of mine likes anchors. The conversation started because she had one on her shirt. After going through some jewelry, I decided to give her a pair of anchor earrings which used to be my mom's. She's been gone for 4 years and I decided it was better to give the earrings to my new friend vs. trying to "work it in" next summer's wardrobe.
What factors do you consider when you’re thinking about donating items to a charity, shelter, or unknown recipient?The item needs to be of good use still. I mainly think about the fact that I'm not using the item and someone else could gain benefit from owning it instead of me. There are so many needy people in the world. If I can help them by giving something away not currently benefitting me, I'm willing to do it.
What is your all-time favorite hand-me-down, cast-off, or regifted item?My friend's mother gave me a bracelet which was the SAME PATTERN as a necklace I owned.
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).This isn't a question, but maybe you didn't ask about the negative side of things because there would be too many stories. In any event, briefly stated, I gave a valuable and highly sentimental "bunny chair" to a church "on loan," because I figured the kids could enjoy it until I would want it back (after the living room got a little more decluttered and/or I had a grandchild). Well, we stopped going to that church and when I attempted to get it back, I found out that the nursery was redone and they let anyone take any item of furniture they wanted!!!!! I want to use social media in an attempt to get it back. The living room is now a lot more decluttered (5 bins of books are now on shelves) and I have a grandchild.
Future topics

Hording...how to help. I have a friend whom I discovered by visiting her house that she is a horder. I was amazed that she called it "clutter." I explained to her the difference. She wants me to be her friend vs. help get rid of the stuff. She is getting counseling.

PLEASE DON'T USE MY NAME ON THIS ONE. Thank you.

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