Packaging

By Diane Lynch

      Have you ever given someone a gift and they refused it because of the packaging? Oh, we know they were never blatant about it, but you could see it in their eyes...the disappointment, the longing for what they "think" they really want.

      Little did they know that inside that package pushed over to the side is the one thing they've wanted all their life. But because we have certain ideas in our heads as to how we "think" that one thing we wanted SHOULD be packaged, or look, or feel, we keep passing it by.

      Then I wonder why we package things the way we do. Are products that we sell not supposed to be pleasing to the senses in order to attract consumers? So, why would one choose to package a gift in a way as to not bring attention to its contents?

      Is it possible that what's inside is so important to the receiver, and we know this, that we feel they must be looking everywhere for it....even in unpleasant packaging? And therefore, would take the time and awareness to see what's right in front of them all along? But that isn't how it works in REAL life.

      And then I ask myself, what kind of person would actually look over an unpleasant package? Is it because they are snobby? Egotistical? Embarrassed? Ashamed? And if the person receiving this gift IS those things, then why should they receive the gift at all?

      It's kinda like watching two people who are so right for each other fight it. Unconsciously of course, but fighting it none the less. They keep seeing all the things that make their relationship "wrong" instead of seeing all the things that make their relationship "right."

      Then again, right and wrong are just perceptions, right??? But yet, when you ask either what is it they want in a partner, they describe the other perfectly. Absolutely amazing to witness.

      Sometimes, I think it's that we fear having what we really want. Because we've wanted it for so long, either we don't recognize it when it's in front of us, or once we experience it, we feel the emptiness that is left inside from all the years of "wanting."

      That seems to make sense to me, because of our "want" is fulfilled, and moves on, an empty space is left where the "wanting" was. And because of the sadness we feel from the missing "want" we associate it with what took it, i.e.., the other person.

© 05/10/06 Diane Terry Lynch