How You Respond to a Bad Gift, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Not every holiday gift can be a winner, and the way you respond to a bad present can reveal a lot about your personality as a whole.
How do you respond to a gift that isn't your fave? Scroll down to your zodiac sign below to find out if we have you pegged.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Act Like It's the Greatest Gift Ever
Aries is fiery and passionate, so when they receive a gift, anything less than their full enthusiasm might tip the gift-giver off to the fact that they're unhappy with it. Any time you tear the wrapping paper off of a present, you make sure to light up as if it was the greatest gift ever. After all, you don't want to disappoint anyone.
(The Simpsons via Fox)
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Appear Thankful Before Digging for the Gift Receipt
Taurus prefers to surround themself with fine, luxurious things, so they can be a little bit picky when it comes to their gifts. You're constantly receiving presents that aren't quite your style, and though you're more than grateful that someone put in the effort to get you something, you're even more grateful when they've included the gift receipt so you can return to the store later to exchange it for something you'll actually love.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Hold the Gift Close to Your Heart
Gemini is a social creature, and they know how to act in any situation, no matter how awkward. When you receive a gift that doesn't quite live up to your expectations, you know exactly how to make the giver think that you actually adore it. You love clutching the gift close to yourself, giving the other person the impression that you really like it.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Put on a Fake Smile and Gush Profusely
When Cancer receives a bad gift, the first thing on their mind is the thoughts and feelings of the person who gave it to them. You never want to make someone feel bad, so you do whatever you can to make them feel like you're emotionally invested in the gift. You make an effort to be extra smiley and say again and again how much you love it.
(Home Alone 2: Lost in New York via 20th Century Fox)
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Make Sure the Gifter Sees You Enjoying the Present
When it comes to receiving a bad gift, Leo has something to prove. As soon as you get the gift, you put it to use right in front of that person. If it's something you wear, you'll be sure to don it for the rest of the night—and the next few times you see the gift-giver, too. You might even randomly pose photos of you using the gift so you can send them over and prove how much you "love" it.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22): Come Up With an Explanation of Why It's Useful
Virgo is a very practical and analytical sign, and even when they really dislike the present they've received, they'll be able to come up with a reason why they'll be using it. Since you don't usually gush too much anyway, your logical explanation of why it's great and helpful should have them pretty convinced—even if you don't truly plan to utilize it.
Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22): Actually Appreciate It
Libra is a thoughtful, kind sign who's the most likely to truly appreciate a gift, even if they don't actually like it or have any use for it. You believe that it's the thought that counts, and the fact that someone went out of their way at all to buy you something demonstrates that they do care about you. Your gift to them was probably a lot more thoughtful, but you're not the type to hold that against them.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Act Thankful Before Stashing It in a Closet Somewhere
Even independent, secretive Scorpio puts in a little bit of effort when they receive a bad present. You're well aware that you don't put yourself out there, so you don't really blame people when they don't know what you like and can't pick out a great gift for you. You're not above putting on a smile and acting thankful, but you already know that the gift is going to get stashed somewhere and you won't stumble upon it again for years.
(SpongeBob SquarePants via Nickelodeon)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Be Brutally Honest
Sagittarius is known as the most brutally honest of the zodiac signs, and when they get a bad gift, they're usually not afraid to say that it's not their favorite. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but you do want to let them know when they're off track. You just want to help them do better next time. You're usually friendly enough about it that they don't take it to heart too much, but that bluntness can get you in trouble.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Say a Quick Thanks and Move On
Capricorn is efficient and disciplined, and when they're put in a tricky situation, they usually know exactly how to move on from it. When you unbox that bad gift, you quickly and effectively say a friendly thanks and then direct the attention somewhere else so that no one dwells on the moment. After all, the faster everyone is on to something else, the less time they have to figure out that you didn't really enjoy your gift.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Smile, Already Thinking About Who You'll Regift It To
Aquarius is said to be the most altruistic sign of the zodiac, and when they open up their bad present, they're already thinking of others. While you're polite and grateful in the moment, you immediately start thinking about the people in your life who might enjoy the gift more. Not only do you get to offload something you don't want, but they'll appreciate that you thought of them. Just don't give it to someone who can trace it back to the original gifter.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Try to Mask Your Disappointment, But Fail
Pisces is an intuitive, emotional sign that's good at reading people, but unfortunately that can sometimes go both ways. When you open a gift you don't love, you do your best to hide that you're not thrilled, but your connection with the people around you can make your true feelings tough to mask. As long as you do put in the effort, you should be okay. It's not like you didn't try!
Need help being more subtle this holiday season? Click HERE to find out how to gracefully react to a bad gift.