[HPFGU-OTChatter] Gift code (was Main List's: Why Ron Loves Hermione)

[Laura Ingalls Huntley]

Pshemekan:
> It appears, that some gifts are meaning something more than the others 
> --
> in this case book means friendship, perfume means romantic feelings.
> Is there really is some gift-giving-code in our cultures?
>

Well, I wouldn't go as far as to say that "books mean friendship."  I 
think books are pretty much a present that can go either way (provided 
the recipient like books to begin with, of course).  In Hermione's 
case, I think anyone giving her a book is probably just cottoning on 
that she *loves* them and, therefore, is getting her something she's 
basically *guaranteed* to like (most girls aren't so easy, you know?).  
I don't think it particularly shows whether the giver has or does not 
have feelings for the givee, however.  In response to the unstated 
question:  No, I don't think Harry meant the book to be a "romantic 
gift." ^_~ Though if he *had*, it would have been a much better present 
than perfume. (Ron?! What the heck were you thinking, kiddo?)

Perfume, on the other hand, when given from a *guy* to a girl (girls 
give other girls body sprays and perfume samples all the time), is 
*definitely* indicative of romantic interest.  IMO, anyway.

Laura (who knows she ought to have attached this post to her last one. 
Sorry.  *looks ashamed*)