Perhaps you feel lack when it comes to money in your life. You would like to buy that stunning diamond you've seen in the jewelry store but can't begin to come up with that kind of cash.

Or maybe you think that your partner or your loved one spends too much money on you and you don't feel like you can reciprocate in the same way due either to concerns about your budget or because you just don't feel worthy of the expenditure.
Or maybe you just fear that you can't please him or her and don't want to even try.
Whether it's financial fears, self-esteem issues, or other reasons, your limiting beliefs, assumptions and perceptions can prevent you and your love ones from enjoying the exchange of gifts.

Are we saying that you have to shower your partner or any other loved one with expensive material items in order to have a great relationship?

Absolutely not!

When we talk about giving and receiving gifts, we aren't just referring to the packages you unwrap on birthdays, holidays or other special occasions.

For us, we decided when we were first together that we would not "buy" gifts for one another on special
occasions but rather plan special events that we would both find fun and would bring us closer--some not costing anything like a private "spa" night for just the two of us.

While you may not make that agreement with your loved ones, we are suggesting that you broaden your thinking about giving and receiving.

It might include helping out your aging parents or having lunch with a sibling or a friend who's having problems--or even making a phone call to someone who's been on your mind.

It might include the back rubs you give your mate or the way you let him or her sleep in while you get up with the kids on Saturday morning-- that going the extra step to demonstrate your love to your partner in a unique way.

Noah always feels his shoulders tighten around the holidays. He wants so much to wow his long-time girlfriend Emma with a fabulous gift but doesn't feel like he ever gets it right.

Noah feels constrained by what he can spend and also in figuring out what Emma would like. One year, out of desperation, when he asked her for gift suggestions, she was no help at all as she recommended that he not buy her anything.

For her part, Emma didn't want Noah to spend any money on her and would rather skip the entire season. She didn't mind buying for him, but often felt guilty when Noah spent money on her.

Do any of these dynamics sound familiar?

There can be a lot of miscommunication in a relationship around the exchange of gifts. If a couple allows their limited beliefs and assumptions to dictate the giving and receiving of gifts, there is sure to be disappointment and hurt feelings.

But through clear communication-- both within yourself and with your partner-- gifts can be a part of more passionately and deeply connecting in your love relationship, as well as other relationships that are important to you.

Whatever you give, give freely and with love.

Yes, we absolutely advise you to be aware of your financial means at this moment and not purchase a gift that you'll be paying off for years to come.

That diamond might look stunning (and probably is) but there are plenty of other gifts you could choose that can be just as pleasing for you to give and your partner to receive.

If you are wiped out after a long day at work and you go ahead and give your mate a foot rub because you feel like you "have to," that resentful energy will come through in your gift.

As you choose a gift for your partner, ask yourself if you can give this gift freely and with love.

Do you feel excited about what you've chosen to give? If there are doubts or qualms within you about giving this gift, then pause and look more closely at what's coming up emotionally for you.

Noah just about broke into a cold sweat when he walked into a shopping mall with the mission of buying a gift for Emma.

He didn't want to add to his credit card debt and end up giving her something she won't like. Recognizing the barrage of fears within himself, Noah left the mall and went to a nearby park to just sit and sort through his feelings.

When Noah acknowledged how he was feeling, it's easier to shift his focus to what he wants-- which is to give Emma a physical show of his love.

As he reminded himself of the many ways he consistently demonstrated his love to Emma, he felt less pressure to try to contain all of his love in one material item (because, after all, that would be impossible).

With this new sense of ease, Noah cames up with a gift idea that he believed Emma will really appreciate and that fits his budget.

Whatever you receive, receive openly and with love.

Noah instantly thought about how much Emma used to love a particular brand of perfume. When he smelled that scent, it still reminded him of their first date.

When he remembered Emma commenting that she only wore the perfume on special occasions now because she doesn't want to spend money on more, he felt confident in his decision to give her a bottle of this perfume.

Now it's up to Emma to receive this given-from-the-heart gift with an sense of openness and love. If she allowed her fears about money and concerns about Noah's checkbook to rule her mind, she will close herself to the care and love that's behind the gift.

But if she can allow herself to receive with a sense of openness and appreciation, the effects of the exchange can be long-lasting and expand beyond perfume in a bottle.

You don't have to lie and claim that you adore a gift that is just not the right fit for you. Shift your focus to your partner's show of care and this attempted demonstration of his or her love.

You can ask for the receipt to return the gift later if you choose to, but for now, soak in all of the good feelings that went into the giving of this gift.

Allow yourself to bask in the glow of the love you two share.

Whether you are giving or receiving gifts with your partner or another loved one, be sure you are present along the way.

When purchasing or coming up with a gift idea, keep forefront in your mind the passion and excitement of your connection.

Stay present in the moment when you exchange gifts as well. It is here in this moment that you can fully celebrate the love you share.

Begin your practice of consciously giving and receiving right now and see how much love expands in your life.