Your Biggest Gift

YBG promotes social connection through curiosity and generosity

GIFTING TIPS

Gifting is a powerful mindset that fosters connection by replacing agendas with generosity and curiosity. The YBG G.I.F.T. Approach has four parts:
• GENEROSITY starts with a compliment or curiosity
• INTEREST is exploring what makes someone unique
• FEELING is understanding their experience
• TRUST is formed by holding space

Good conversations begin with your internal state. When you’re grounded, open, and generous, the rest flows more easily.
• Have fun, be curious, and enjoy giving your gift
• Let go of judgment or fear of rejection
• Embrace pauses as part of the rhythm
• Picture the interaction going well beforehand
• Appreciate yourself for showing up and engaging

You don’t need the perfect line—just a real one. Starting simple and human can open doors.
• Introduce yourself with “Hi, I’m…” or “I don’t think we’ve met…”
• Ask for a small favor, opinion, or recommendation
• Compliment something specific, then ask about it
• Share an observational or lighthearted comment
• Remember and repeat their name when possible

Compliments are a simple and powerful way to give your gift. They can be light and fun, like noticing someone’s style, or more heartfelt, like recognizing their efforts.
• Give compliments you truly mean.
• Be specific and mention what stood out.
• Focus on effort, style, or actions.
• Give compliments naturally, not forced.
• If someone compliments you, receive it with gratitude.
• Compliment someone through another person.
• Ask a follow-up question to go deeper.

Connection happens when you’re fully there. What matters most is giving your attention freely.
• Notice your mood and energy before and during the conversation
• Stay off your phone and resist planning your next response
• Listen all the way through before replying
• Match their pace, tone, and energy to create ease
• Step away or pause if you’re distracted or overwhelmed

Genuine curiosity helps people feel seen and safe. Your role is to open the door and be with what walks through.
• Ask feeling-based questions like “What was that like for you?”
• Say “Tell me more about…” to encourage them to go deeper
• Invite opinions or stories with “What are your thoughts on…”
• Don’t rush to offer advice—wait to be asked
• Share a little of yourself, then turn it back to them with a question

How you leave a conversation is part of the gift. A thoughtful exit sets the tone for future connection.
• Mention your time limit early if needed
• End on your turn with warmth: “It’s been great talking with you”
• Use small body cues or casual transitions to wrap up
• If you’d like to stay in touch, ask directly and exchange contacts
• Make a note of their name and follow up later with something thoughtful

These habits quietly erode trust and closeness.
• Bragging: leading with “Look at all my accomplishments”
• Advising: jumping in with “What you should do is…”
• Interrupting: because you think your point matters more
• Monopolizing: talking too much without leaving space
• Patronizing: acting like you’re smarter or more evolved
• Topping: “You did that? So did I, or event better”

People usually need one of three things in a conversation and identifying which one can often create a better connection.
• Heard: They want to share and feel seen, not be fixed.
• Helped: They’re open to support or ideas, but only after feeling understood.
• Hugged: They need emotional comfort more than solutions.

When someone is in pain, presence matters more than solutions.
• Listen with warmth and validate their feelings
• Don’t try to cheer them up unless they ask for it
• Offer gentle support or small next steps
• Check in later to see how they are doing

Some behaviors may look small but point to deeper patterns. Pay attention early and protect your peace.
• Notice small lies or inconsistencies and how they respond when you mention them
• Shift away from gossip or negativity with curiosity or care
• If someone avoids accountability or twists your words, there may be deeper issues
• Don’t ignore a pattern just because the person is charming or fun
• Set emotional boundaries when your needs or feelings are dismissed

A little reflection before connecting with others helps you show up present and intentional.
• Ask yourself where you’re already giving and where you want to grow
• Reflect on whether you’re listening or waiting to talk
• Identify good conversational role models
• Practice small daily acts of kindness to stay in a generous mindset
• Consider who you could reach out to right now

Thoughtful answers to common questions can make conversations more engaging.
• Add something revealing to your “Where are you from?” or “What do you do?” answers
• Share your real interests and passions, not just your job title
• Stay current on uplifting news, trends, or culture
• Wear conversation pieces that spark curiosity
• Watch or read something funny before social events to lighten your mood

Each setting is a chance to practice connection in small, meaningful ways.
• With partners: check in, compliment, and carve out time together
• With children: grow their confidence
• With acquaintances: show interest beyond small talk
• With service workers: greet them by name and ask something thoughtful
• In public: smile, chat in line, and don’t take rejection personally
• With community: welcome new people and connect others

You don’t have to grow alone, invite others into your gifting journey.
• Share your intentions with a friend or gifting buddy
• Check in weekly or monthly to stay inspired
• Use familiar spaces like gyms or classes to plant community roots
• Ask for help or ideas if you’re feeling stuck
• Reach out to YBG for support or encouragement