No Strings Attached

I OFFER THIS example of rejection in its simplest form. I give a gift to someone. I bought or made the gift with joy. I anticipated how pleased the other person would be. I looked forward to the smile of appreciation and the warm gratification it would give me. In other words, I have made myself responsible for the other person's feelings. I am giving a gift with strings attached: "Here is something I want you to have because you are going to love it, and therefore love me for giving it to you." If the person does not react the way I want, I am disappointed. This person is not playing the part as I have written it. I feel rejected.