Am I missing something here?  Here’s the deal:

I sent an old friend a book and magazine for an industry in which she’s starting a career.  I wrapped it in sparkly black gift-wrap, wrote a quick note - on my own set of personalized note cards, of course - and sent it just before Christmas, although it wasn’t necessarily a Christmas present.  (I’d actually had it for about a month before I got around to sending it.)

I shipped the gift via FedEx so I could track the package and make sure she received it.  Delivery was attempted, but she wasn’t at home to sign for it, so the driver didn’t leave the package at her door.  (I sent it signature-required.)  I shot her an email that evening that said “hey, I sent you something - you have to sign for it.” The next day, I believe, FedEx successfully delivered the package.

I haven’t heard anything from this friend since, and I’m left wondering what happened.  Did she receive my gift?  Did she like it?  Can she use it? 

The only thing I was expecting was a quick email - “hey, I got the gift - thanks.”  A bonus would have been a phone call to catch up on what else she’s up to these days, although I wasn’t expecting that call.

As of tonight, I’ve emailed her twice since December asking if she received it.

No response.

So I’m wondering how to interpret this.  I usually like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but it’s a pretty clear snub, don’t you think?  I gave her the benefit of the doubt by following up the first time, asking her if she’d received it.  So much time had passed that I forgot she hadn’t replied until tonight when I saw her online on Facebook, leading me to shoot her what was the second note asking if she’d received the package.

I just sent her another message via Facebook chat, and she logged off.  Wow.

I don’t give gifts with strings, and I don’t give to receive.  I give because I think the recipient will enjoy what I’ve selected for them.  Bottom line: Whether you hate the gift or love it, you should always acknowledge receipt of a gift and thank the gift-giver.  It is the polite, courteous thing to do.

Until I hear from my friend, I’ll always wonder if she ever received it and wonder what’s the deal? Inquiring minds want to know.

(Need a refresher course on how to write a quick, painless thank-you note?  Click here.)