Showering

We had our first wedding shower yesterday at Elizabeth's. It makes such a difference when someone actually plans for such an event (I usually don't). Elizabeth had everything together, with interesting decorations and yummy food. It was great fun and we ended up with a lot of loot. I still don't know where we're going to put all that stuff.

Being the recipient in a shower is kinda weird. It's another rite of passage towards getting married and it really would have been strange had I not known every single person at the party. As it was, it felt a little like a family christmas. Still, being on display as the only ones opening gifts was a little surreal. I don't think I'm a good shower gift receiver. Not that I am not thankful - I love receiving gifts and shower gifts are always cool because you pick them out yourself. But to me, gifts that I receive are to be reciprocated - preferable at the same time - and that does not directly happen at a shower. I mean, it all evens out in the long run (most everyone gets married or has children or some anniversary or retirement party) but I still sense a dychotomy at the event. Maybe it's cultural - I don't know.