"That piece of junk"

[Venus193]

I recently gave a CD to a friend for her birthday who said "Gee, thanks, but I have nothing to play it on.  That sh***y boom box died on me two months ago."

I gave her that sh***y boom box for Christmas three years ago.

What would you guys say?

[Rose2Bear]

Yikes, that was pretty rude... the fact that she said "THAT s*** boombox" instead of "MY s*** boombox" kinda makes it sound like she knew you would know specifically which stereo she was referencing... And thats really rude!   

What did you say??

[Balletmom]

I think it's rude she added "I have nothing to play it on" no matter WHO gave her the boom box. "Thanks so much for thinking of me" is the only acceptable answer.

That's like saying, "Thanks for the red sweater, but I have nothing to wear it with."

"Thanks for the steak knife set, but I have no steaks in the freezer."

It's just snarky, honestly.

And honestly, who doesn't have more than one way to play a CD? I have four, and I'm hardly a tech or music freak.

[EvilAlice]

Eh, I don't think it was necessarily rude.  Any time something of mine dies, it gets all kinds on nasty adjectives appended to it's name.  It may have been a great boombox/computer/car/washing machine at one time, but after it dies it's a piece of junk.  It's just a way of venting frustration.

Much as we like to give great gifts and have them be meaningful, after awhile "this is the boombox my friend bough me" becomes just another thing that you have, just from familiarity. I bet if she thought about it, she realized later that you gave her the boombox and was suitably mortified.  If it didn't occur to her, it doesn't mean she's rude or ungrateful.  It was a boombox.  It died.  Therefore it was sh*tty even if logically it lived as long as it should have.  It's nothing against you.

[guihong]

She might not have remembered that the boombox came from you.  I know I have gifts from three years back, that I cannot remember exactly who gave them to me.

gui

[Sophia]

I remember.  I can't tell you half the things I got for christmas last year.  But point to any item and I can tell you who gave it to me.  Even christmas ornaments I received 25 years ago. 

[MadMadge43]

I think it was rude. If someone gave me a boombox, that would not be forgotten.

But I will say I gave away my stereo with CD player the other day. I realized it was now obsolete in this digital age. So be careful of giving CDs as gifts anymore, many people aren't using the technology. In fact tower records in hollywood is closing it's doors because of it.

[Bethalize]

What would you guys say?

I'd say "I think I've heard you mention this friend before." And I'd have to add: "Is there any chance she's hinting for you to buy her a new CD player?"

[lizlett]

I probably would have said something like "that's unfortunate about the boombox, maybe you can figure out another way to play the CD" and changed the subject. I am willing to bet that at some point the friend remembers that you were the one who gave it to her and cringes with embarrassment.

[Clara Bow]

I was taught that you never look a gift horse in the mouth, and that if someone gives you even the most horrid and tacky gift, you smile and thank them politely, even if it chokes you to death. I would have simply said "Thanks so much for the cd! I will really enjoy it!" There's no need to mention that you can't or won't use it.
As far as the boombox goes, I see no need to mention it. And frankly, while I may not remember who gave me a pair of socks, I would remember who gave me a large item. She may have not meant anything by it, some people are clueless when it comes to proper behavior, but I would have been offended.....

[Venus193]

What did you say??

A rather dry "Oh, really", then changed the subject.

[Venus193]

In fact tower records in hollywood is closing it's doors because of it.

I know.  I've been in and out of that place several times.  They currently have 60% off everything.

[Venus193]

I'd say "I think I've heard you mention this friend before." And I'd have to add: "Is there any chance she's hinting for you to buy her a new CD player?"

She wouldn't dare:  She knows I post at this forum.

[ZipTheWonder]

What would you guys say?

"I guess the next sh---y boom box is on your nickle, then?" 

[Venus193]

That's a good one, Zip.