Giving gifts to your partner is not as easy as it seems. Many of us enjoy showing our love in the form of a gift. After much time, thought, and often money, you happily give it to them. Sometimes, things end up just as they do on the diamond commercials with a passionate kiss and expressions of love. But often, the giver is disappointed in the receiver’s reaction, and the receiver is either indifferent or hurt by the gift.

Why does this take place even in the best of relationships? There are a few different types of gifts, and each of us has a preference to what we like to give and what we’d choose to receive. It is essential for our partner to understand what type he is and what type we are, so that he gives us type of present that has meaning to us and we give him the type that he values.

Some people prefer traditional gifts. These are the stereotypical types of gifts that lovers give to one another. A dozen roses, jewelry, or a spa gift certificate are all good examples of a traditional gift. Traditional gifts usually cost money, the pricier the better, as this is how the receiver often judges it’s worth. The traditional gift receiver feels valued by how much is spent on them.

Other people love to get sentimental gifts. A love letter, handmade gifts, or dates designed especially for the receiver are all examples of sentimental gifts. Sentimental gifts may cost money, or they could cost nothing at all. What the sentimental gift receiver is looking for is the time and thought you put into their gift. This is how they will judge the value of the gift.

Other people enjoy unseen gifts. This type of gift receiver prefer intangible presents. They would rather have the unseen devotion their partner could give them daily than anything wrapped. Unseen gifts include helping with housework, financially providing for them, or telling them how much you appreciate them regularly. This type of gift receiver values what you add to their lives daily to enrich it.

Some people like gifts that help them enjoy their hobbies or life passions. A runner would appreciate a pedometer. A drummer would like tickets to watch their favorite band perform. A computer techie would love the latest high tech gadget to fiddle with.

By finding out what type of gift receiver your partner is, you can always choose the right gift and stop getting gifts that are unappreciated. For example, a gym membership would be the perfect gift for the right kind of hobby gift receiver, but it might hurt the feelings of a traditional gift receiver. Knowing your partner is key to connecting with them in gift giving and in so many other ways.