CurlyIam Posted June 1, 2004 Posted June 1, 2004 I have this tinny itsy bitsy problem: it'll soon be my birthday. Nothing special soo far I got to meet my bf's parents, and they have been so nice to me, I hade lunch at their place one Sunday, been invited to my bf's aunt anniversary with his family, been a few times visiting his family and they have always been so very attentive to me - little gifts for the 2 of us like wine or strowberries.... My situation in France is that of as an exchange student, with no place of my own, no family near me, living out my scholarship and my parents' money. So with my birthday so near and all, I feel I have the occasion to do something for them. Like take them out to dinner or something like that. As about my relationship with my bf: I could say that we are doing quite well without exagerating. We became even closer these past weeks, so things are great between us! I know I have this tendency to blow things out of proportions, but I have grown to care dearly about his family. So it's a combination between showing my appreciation and affection and ... - it'll sound horrible, but I'll say it anyway - trying to be even. The thing is a dinner with wine and everything for 5 people will cost me around 250 even 300 E, which... I can't afford really! I mean I think I could, but boy, will it ruin things for me. And there also is the risk of them not allowing me to pay, aspect that I don't even what to take into consideration. I am so frustrated, I can't invite them to my place - I live with 2 girls, I cannot even cook (I do have a microwave oven but that's as far as it goes) so that I can say I'd do something ... special. Any suggestions? I feel as if I were trapped, and I hate it! How am I to handle this?
HokeyReligions Posted June 1, 2004 Posted June 1, 2004 Perhaps you can ask your family to send you some things that are unique to your home country and area, and give them as gifts. They don't have to be fancy -- maybe a different type of chocolate or regional item. If you were from Texas I'd say some peppers and chili mix! Do they read? Maybe some bookmarks made of dried flowers from your part of the world? Something that is inexpensive and that you can afford and your family can ship to you? Then instead of taking everyone out to a fancy place, maybe invite them someplace casual for desert and giving the little gifts as thanks you's. I'm sure they would not want you to spend a lot and know your circumstances as an exchange student, but would probably appreciate a token of your appreciation--especially when it is something that they could not go out and buy for themselves. Since you can't cook -- maybe some recipies and give the ingredients to make it? Or find someplace to make something special for them that you can easily carry. It doesn't have to be fancy food. Maybe some good homemade fudge - you only need a pan and a burner for that (& the ingredients) and you could put it in some cute containers.
Author CurlyIam Posted June 1, 2004 Author Posted June 1, 2004 The reason I feel so sad is that I'll give them through my bf - thanks Hokey, we do have some excellent wine. I can cook, but it'll still mean we won't be able to enjoy it somewhere on neutral ground, but at their place. It is stupid, I know, finding a "no man's land"... I have to learn to be less sensitive about this type of things. It is hard to find some special chocolate in my country to came even close to the amazing chocolateries around here. As for ingredients for food, the French cuisine could not be more different from mine. I doubt they'll even find it extravagant ! Plus, in my country it's like an unwritten low: women have to spend at least half a day in the kitchen! Right, I can only imagine his sister doing that ! And the funny thing is that at about my third date with by bf, I showed him a few little albums with images from different regions from my country and he took them home to show them to his parents. Well, it's three months later and they are still at his house! So that's out too! I'll have to figure out something specific, traditional... You know, now that I think of it, taking them out seems a choice,you know? How do they say:"pay for your tranquility!" Jokin', naturally!
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