Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

My coworkers were teasing me today about a work shower. I told them so many times not to throw me one, but they said they are doing it whether I like it or not. Just the thought of accepting gifts from certain people at work makes me sooo uncomfortable. I am friendly with everyone and get along with everyone, but I just don't want them to buy mke gifts. Is something wrong with me?


Update 4/18
Well, my work shower was yesterday. It wasn't as bad as I expected. There were A LOT of gifts and I did feel uncomfortable and awkward opening them all. I did get some really cute stuff and some nice thoughtful cards. I also got way over $300 in gift cards
I was 100% surprised too. I was sooo sure I would figure out when my friends were planning this but they outsmarted me. They had a vendor (one of my favorite ones) contact me to set up a meeting. I organiized the meeting and even reserved the room so I went to the "meeting" and everyone was there and yelled SURPRISE. I felt sooo stupid.
Now for Thank Yous... can I send out an email or should I write everyone cards? There was one big gift card that everone chipped in for but there was also many individual gifts.

Message edited 4/18/2008 7:53:35 PM.

Re: Anxiety over work shower

I hear you. I just hate being the center of attention. I bet your co-workers will just chip in and get you a gift certificate to BRU or wherever you're registered. They probably just want to do something for you, especially since you get along well with all of them.

Just smile, say thank you and enjoy it.

Re: Anxiety over work shower

I don't think there is anything wrong with you at all. I would feel funny about accepting gifts from people I wasn't so friendly with, didn't know too well or just don't really like. I guess since they're throwing one the best thing to do is just attend and enjoy.

Re: Anxiety over work shower

See, a gift card wouldn't bother me as much. It is the actual presents that make me feel weird. I actually just threw a coworker a baby shower in January and in addition to the gift card we chipped in for, so got so many gifts. I feel awkward accepting gifts from people.

Re: Anxiety over work shower

Posted by julz33

See, a gift card wouldn't bother me as much. It is the actual presents that make me feel weird. I actually just threw a coworker a baby shower in January and in addition to the gift card we chipped in for, so got so many gifts. I feel awkward accepting gifts from people.

Re: Anxiety over work shower

I had a work shower when I was pregnant with Jared. I really didn't like a few of the people that I worked with and the thought of them having to be a part of the shower (when I knew they really didn't want to) made me uneasy.

In the end, I smiled and sent out my thank you cards with kind repsonses.

Re: Anxiety over work shower

If you threw a shower for someone there then they will definitely throw you one! I know how you mean about feeling uncomfortable. I travel a ton for my job and visit sites all over the country. I just stopped travelling, but over the past few weeks when I got to different locations people had gifts and I felt strange with some of them. Since you know they will, just look forward to more cute clothes and toys!

Re: Anxiety over work shower

I feel the same way as you.. The people I work with aren't anywhere near people I would call friends.. and when they threw me a bridal shower let me tell you it was the worst!!! Now I am dreading the baby shower.. god I hope they just skip it and leave me gifts at my desk..

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

Updated in 1st post!

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

people at my office usually send out a general thank you email. But its cool too if you write a thank you card

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

I wrote out individual thank you cards and also sent out a thank you to the entire office.

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

I would not do an email. You can do one of two things...hang a big card in the main area thanking everyone or you can do individual cards.

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

Its about 50 people that signed the card with the group gift cert. This is why I wanted to send out an email. And then maybe do actual cards for the individual gifts?

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

That was so nice of them (and clever too!!) but I understand how you feel. As far as the thank yous I would write out thank you cards for the individual gifts. I think it's a little more personal than an email. (even though email is waaaaaaay easier!!) But for the other thing I think an email is ok.

Message edited 4/18/2008 8:24:29 PM.

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

I sent out an email. THat is pretty standard in our office

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

see i work in a school so i think i would write them individual cards and put them in their mailbox....thats what i did for the bridal shower they threw for me so id prob do the same when the time comes for the baby shower

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

I would defintitely write individual thank you cards for the individual gifts.

Where I work when someone is given a party they usually bring treats to work (Cupcakes, muffins, cookies, donuts) and display them with a nice thank you card to the group.

It would be nice to go to Costco or BJ''s and get some goodies to show your appreciation.

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

Posted by Michmouse

I would defintitely write individual thank you cards for the individual gifts.

Where I work when someone is given a party they usually bring treats to work (Cupcakes, muffins, cookies, donuts) and display them with a nice thank you card to the group.

It would be nice to go to Costco or BJ''s and get some goodies to show your appreciation.

Re: Anxiety over work shower - Updated 4/18 (with a question too)

I was going to suggest the same thing...individual thank yous for the individual gifts and food for the whole gang to say thank you!

breakfast tray
a hero for lunch
cookies/small bite size cakes/muffins/danish