During university, life long friends are made. However, how are they maintained? We often hear that in the age of the smartphone we are more connected than ever. However, what quality of a connection really is it if nothing goes beyond the phone screen?
Best friends, Chloe and Laurie didn’t want their friendship to dwindle post graduation. After living together for three years at university they were gutted to be leaving, returning to their hometowns over 100 miles away from each other. Laurie explains how she and Chloe first bonded, exclaiming, “she used to bring me home chocolate bars! I had no idea why!” Chloe quickly cuts in that Laurie used to buy her lunch any time they were out on campus, “her language is definitely gift-giving!”, Chloe says.
Like many people, Chloe and Laurie both express their affection through “gift-giving”. This is outlined as a notable love language by Gary Chapman in his bestselling work, “The Five Love Languages”. According to Chapman, learning a loved one’s preferred love language is important to fostering deeper bonds with them. To people like Chloe and Laurie, gifts symbolise love, care and affection. They treasure not only the gift itself but the thought that goes into selecting it.
“It’s not like we expect massive presents from each other every week!”, Laurie giggles. This is completely inline with what Chapman writes about the love language. He writes that,
“People who enjoy receiving gifts as a part of their primary love language do not necessarily expect large or expensive presents; it’s more the effort and thoughtfulness behind the gift that counts.”
After the two girls’ courses finished they worried that their practice of routine gift giving would end, ultimately affecting their friendship. However, although both Laurie and Chloe are back at home, they regularly use the app Prnst.
“It’s perfect because of their under £10 category”, Chloe says. Adding, “I can still send her chocolate bars and add a silly little video message so it feels like old times.”
Prsnt is geared towards a “Just Because” gifting model, so for friends like Chloe and Laurie, their service is ideal. Popular gifting company, Not On the Highstreet describe Just Because gifting as being “for the mate who’s smashed their masters, divorce or driving test. They are “You did it” presents, cute ways to say ‘I miss you’ presents.”
Laurie and Chloe say Prsnt facilitates a part of their friendship which just can’t live inside a phone screen. On Prsnt, gifts are sent in seven seconds or less and are ready to be redeemed immediately. For “Just Because” gifts this is game changing as the items are small and often novelties requiring that in-the-moment-ness Prsnt facilitates. “Laurie still buys me lunch sometimes”, Chloe smiles, adding, “it can turn a bad day into a brighter one.”
Although, you may not gift routinely like Laurie and Chloe there will probably be a time where your life calls for a “Just Because” gift. Prsnt really is the perfect tool, speedy, easy and affordable with the personality to boot! It really just might help a friendship of yours in a moment when you need it most.
