Today is Reuben's birthday. Earlier this week (because I am an excellent wife and I plan ahead), I bought him a birthday card. It is this card that leads to today's soapbox:
Is it really necessary that the price of a card be printed right on it? Why is it there? What does this communicate about a) the card or b) the person who bought you the card? Isn't this in direct violation of the adage that "it's the thought that counts"?
I feel like the price posted directly on the back of the card not-so-subtly whispers a secret, not-so-hidden message. Here's what you think the flowery and cute 99 cent "Get Well Soon" card you sent to your Grandma last week said:
"Get Well Soon Grandma. Sorry you're sick and I love you!"
But what the $.99 posting on the back of the card said was: "Oh, only $.99 huh? Well, this grandchild obviously doesn't really want you to get well and it's possible she may not even love you. Not for $.99 she doesn't. The person who bought you the $3.49 'Hope You're Up and Hoppin' Soon' card with the special additional flap inside and the freakishly large smiling bunny on it not only really wants you up and hopping, but also genuinely loves you. Leave all of your riches to this card giver in your will."
Conversely, the $3.29 singing birthday card you bought for your friend that you were sure he'd be really impressed with really only said, "She bought you the $3.29 singing card because she didn't get you a gift but was hoping you wouldn't notice after listening to this stupid song over and over."
So, what you are probably wondering is: what is Reuben's birthday card really telling him? It's saying, "The person who bought you this card lives with you. She knows you will read this and voice all of the appropriate "ooh's" and "that was so sweets" and "thank you so much babes", and then you will leave it lying around the house that she cleans until she is sick of seeing it around the house that cleans and then, while mumbling about how you don't appreciate all the effort she goes through to buy you nice cards and keep your house clean, she will throw it away."
50 cents.
Anyone who spends $3.29 on a card for me is telling me that they aren't as smart as I thought they were.
ReplyDelete50 cents tells me that you are chock FULL of common sense.
Happy Birthday Reuben.
I used to buy more expensive cards but I'm getting to the point where I think I'll start making my own. But you do have a point about the 99 cent cards. And I never like them anyway. So, guess what I need to learn how to do!!! Get creative! Loved this post!
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