15th, May

I think there is one difference about western people and Chinese. When you ask a close friend in China, 'what do you want in for your birthday?" The one That person would think, "how could you say that?, Why you did not know me don't you already know what I want? Parents will be getting get even more angry about that. They think you should know because they raised you and you have known them so many years. Is it unreasonable? No, it is not. Chinese just want their close friends to concern know them well enough to him(she), notice what happens to his(her) them and lately, what's his(her) favorite what they are interested in for the time being. You constantly talked to them a lot and hear from them what they said. You should know what to do will know how you should do. In the end, whatever you give, they will be thrilled when because they know the present that let them know you concern him(she) means that you care about them.
If your friend just give the instant gave you the answer right away, you don't would not need to guess and pay attention. I don't think that's not good. However, as a Chinese, I want my friends to really concern care about me, not just give me what I asked for the present I said.

Candice,

This is great English! Also, this view of gift-giving is something I have never heard before, and very interesting. In America, I have always heard that the polite thing to do is to ask your friend, so that you get them what they prefer. I see your point though, and I think this is a great way to show your love to a friend! In this culture though, I think there is a great variety in gift-giving. We like to surprise, and that takes paying attention to what your friend likes, and also sometimes we ask to get an idea of what to get, and then go beyond it. I don't think there is any right or wrong way of doing it, as long as it is done to please that friend!