03/02/2021
Happy gift givers and gift receivers make my day π
Did you know that according to Dr Mark Williams, professor of cognitive neuroscience at Macquarie University, gifts reinforce bonds and relationships between people. Both the gift giver and receiver get a release of dopamine - which means gift giving creates pleasure. The dopamine also interacts with our memory centres meaning a good gift can reinforce a positive impression of the giver, creating a stronger bond.
Gifts have been used to connect with one another throughout history. Back when we were in small tribal groups, women traditionally would have given fruits and nuts to men, and men would have given meat to women. They would also give gifts to tribes they wanted to have relationships with. I find the history of gifting (and what they gifted!) super interesting.