tom579 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 On a recent trip back to the UK I bought a compact mirror for my Thai girlfriend. It is a proper gift; I bought it in a gift shop. I had no burning desire to buy her a mirror specifically, it was the nicest thing in the shop and it was easy to carry back and I was short of time. She didn't say much when I gave her the mirror. Yesterday her sister called and asked 'what's the mirror all about?' It turns out it was a terrible gift and I caused offence, although I couldn't quite understand why. The conversation ended up: 'perhaps you should call her and apologise'. Does anyone know what I did wrong? Are there any other 'wrong gifts' to avoid? I don't want to buy her chocolate all the time. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duke69 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 give her cash not mirrors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bananaman Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 On a recent trip back to the UK I bought a compact mirror for my Thai girlfriend. It is a proper gift; I bought it in a gift shop. I had no burning desire to buy her a mirror specifically, it was the nicest thing in the shop and it was easy to carry back and I was short of time. She didn't say much when I gave her the mirror. Yesterday her sister called and asked 'what's the mirror all about?' It turns out it was a terrible gift and I caused offence, although I couldn't quite understand why. The conversation ended up: 'perhaps you should call her and apologise'.Does anyone know what I did wrong? Are there any other 'wrong gifts' to avoid? I don't want to buy her chocolate all the time. Thanks. This isn't something I've ever heard of before and indeed my sister bought an expensive all-in-one compact mirror and make-up set for my Thai missus when we were last in England and it was very well received. Could it be that your missus is taking this as you trying to tell her that she isn't looking up to scratch these days and needs to see for herself what she's doing wrong? Just guessing here but that would seem like a reasonable theory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom579 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 give her cash not mirrors Yeah, maybe I'll just set up a direct debit, make it really easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom579 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 Could it be that your missus is taking this as you trying to tell her that she isn't looking up to scratch these days and needs to see for herself what she's doing wrong? Just guessing here but that would seem like a reasonable theory. That thought crossed my mind Bananaman, but I was in the airport and I had to shift to catch my plane. I decided to go with it. I will call her later, but I probably wont find out the real reason as she is quite shy. I wonder if there is some kind of superstition attached (perhaps not a very well known one). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I asked my wife, actually my wife was at a bad feeling and sorry I don't want to offend, just what she told: "Nothing wrong with a mirror, but don't know what the buffaloes behind the mountains in Isaan may think, they belive many stupid things if there is a banana tree which looks different, than they also pray to it in the hope to win in the Lotterie" So I think my wife has a bad day today, but she doesn't know anything about mirrors.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duke69 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 what about in asking your GF what's wrong with that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom579 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 I asked my wife, actually my wife was at a bad feeling and sorry I don't want to offend, just what she told:"Nothing wrong with a mirror, but don't know what the buffaloes behind the mountains in Isaan may think, they belive many stupid things if there is a banana tree which looks different, than they also pray to it in the hope to win in the Lotterie" So I think my wife has a bad day today, but she doesn't know anything about mirrors.... thanks for asking h90, I hope the day gets better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 what about in asking your GF what's wrong with that? maybe she don't speak with him anymore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I asked my wife, actually my wife was at a bad feeling and sorry I don't want to offend, just what she told:"Nothing wrong with a mirror, but don't know what the buffaloes behind the mountains in Isaan may think, they belive many stupid things if there is a banana tree which looks different, than they also pray to it in the hope to win in the Lotterie" So I think my wife has a bad day today, but she doesn't know anything about mirrors.... thanks for asking h90, I hope the day gets better. I am waiting for a better day since 3 years...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom579 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 what about in asking your GF what's wrong with that? I will ask her, but I don't think she will tell me in case she offends me - everyone is just too polite! I'll ask her sister again, but I just wondered if there was a farang explanation that I'd have a chance of understanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimmer Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 (edited) My ex wife had a mirror on the ceiling, so she could lay in bed and watch herself have a headache. Edited March 7, 2007 by Rimmer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duke69 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 PERHAPS WHAT WAS A JOKE IS REALITY: SHE WAS INDEED EXPECTING SOMETHING NOT TOO CHEAP FOR HER bUFALO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobi Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Just asked Mrs Mobi if she'd be upset if I gave her a mirror as a present. She replied that she'd be upset if I gave her anything as a present, as it's not something I have been known to do too often. So she would suspect I was up to something! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Just asked Mrs Mobi if she'd be upset if I gave her a mirror as a present.She replied that she'd be upset if I gave her anything as a present, as it's not something I have been known to do too often. So she would suspect I was up to something! Mrs H90 same same. If I give her a present, she would think I made something very bad and she just does not know about it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimmer Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Just asked Mrs Mobi if she'd be upset if I gave her a mirror as a present.She replied that she'd be upset if I gave her anything as a present, as it's not something I have been known to do too often. So she would suspect I was up to something! Just make sure you are not coming back from the library wearing a red T shirt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 My wife says that it's probably a combination of "think too much" and a little insecurity about either her looks, or ability to do hair/makeup correctly. Best thing is to just forget about it and chalk it up to experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pumpuiman Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I don't know if it's a "Thai" thing, but my wife likes gifts with actual, not sentimental value. She says she doesn't like things with "no story" Flowers fade, and chocolates get eaten. Gold remains. Seems to me Thais love gold, they all have many bahts worth stashed away.....it represents something concrete, an investment in your future....and can also be traded for cold hard cash!! I know the old folks say not to give your partner perfume...as the scent fades so will your love for your partner. You can not fail with gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnh101 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Would you not be pi55ed off if you were expecting gold and got a crappy little mirror ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdnvic Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Flowers fade, and chocolates get eaten.Gold remains. You could write ads for a gold shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter991 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Considering the amount of time Thai people spend looking into mirrors - checking their hair and general appearance - I would have thought a mirror from a gift shop - probably in a make-up bag would have been a well-received gift. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobi Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Just asked Mrs Mobi if she'd be upset if I gave her a mirror as a present.She replied that she'd be upset if I gave her anything as a present, as it's not something I have been known to do too often. So she would suspect I was up to something! Just make sure you are not coming back from the library wearing a red T shirt It's the white ones that get me into trouble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farangsay Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 You could PM Wolfie. She might be a vampire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I don't know if it's a "Thai" thing, but my wife likes gifts with actual, not sentimental value. She says she doesn't like things with "no story" Flowers fade, and chocolates get eaten. Gold remains. Seems to me Thais love gold, they all have many bahts worth stashed away.....it represents something concrete, an investment in your future....and can also be traded for cold hard cash!! I know the old folks say not to give your partner perfume...as the scent fades so will your love for your partner. You can not fail with gold. Yes specialy the Isaan farmer ladies love gold, if they get enough money the run arround like a christmas tree with kgs of gold.... the more educated the smaller the gold gets...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgs Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Mrs has informed me that it is because the woman will think you think she is not attractive & should do something about it. Does't matter what you give her, she won't be happy. The gold won't be heavy enough or expensive enough, the cash won't have enough 0's, the house won't be grand enough. None of these are essentially Thai traits, but almost certainly gender specific. As long as the beer is cold, I don't worry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lannarebirth Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 On a recent trip back to the UK I bought a compact mirror for my Thai girlfriend. It is a proper gift; I bought it in a gift shop. I had no burning desire to buy her a mirror specifically, it was the nicest thing in the shop and it was easy to carry back and I was short of time. She didn't say much when I gave her the mirror. Yesterday her sister called and asked 'what's the mirror all about?' It turns out it was a terrible gift and I caused offence, although I couldn't quite understand why. The conversation ended up: 'perhaps you should call her and apologise'.Does anyone know what I did wrong? Are there any other 'wrong gifts' to avoid? I don't want to buy her chocolate all the time. Thanks. Rather than apologize, this may serve as an opportunity to discuss the concept of gratitude, or lack thereof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter991 Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I asked a Thai friend yesterday about what to give and what not to give a Thai lady. He told me the only thing NOT to give is a handkerchief as that was considered 'bad luck.' He said your girlfriend should be grateful for 'any gift' if the gift was 'from your heart.' Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 On a recent trip back to the UK I bought a compact mirror for my Thai girlfriend. It is a proper gift; I bought it in a gift shop. I had no burning desire to buy her a mirror specifically, it was the nicest thing in the shop and it was easy to carry back and I was short of time. She didn't say much when I gave her the mirror. Yesterday her sister called and asked 'what's the mirror all about?' It turns out it was a terrible gift and I caused offence, although I couldn't quite understand why. The conversation ended up: 'perhaps you should call her and apologise'.Does anyone know what I did wrong? Are there any other 'wrong gifts' to avoid? I don't want to buy her chocolate all the time. Thanks. This isn't something I've ever heard of before and indeed my sister bought an expensive all-in-one compact mirror and make-up set for my Thai missus when we were last in England and it was very well received. Could it be that your missus is taking this as you trying to tell her that she isn't looking up to scratch these days and needs to see for herself what she's doing wrong? Just guessing here but that would seem like a reasonable theory. so perfume would be received as "you think i smell" or chocolate " you think i skinny'' perhaps cold hard cash will melt her heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 You could PM Wolfie.She might be a vampire. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 9, 2007 Share Posted March 9, 2007 (edited) I don't know if it's a "Thai" thing, but my wife likes gifts with actual, not sentimental value. She says she doesn't like things with "no story" Flowers fade, and chocolates get eaten. Gold remains.- But the money in my wallet does not Seems to me Thais love gold, they all have many bahts worth stashed away.....it represents something concrete, an investment in your future....and can also be traded for cold hard cash!! I know the old folks say not to give your partner perfume...as the scent fades so will your love for your partner. You can not fail with gold. Edited March 9, 2007 by Donnyboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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