In our culture, the giving of gifts rarely happens without cause. Typically, there is a reason, apparent to all, as to why the gift is being given. This reason may be an occasion like a birthday, Christmas or other holiday. We expect to, if there are prospective givers, receive a gift on those days. A gift is supposed to be a sign of appreciation, love and affection. If we do not receive a gift, on those special occasions where one is warranted, we may feel that we are not loved or appreciated. However, frequently gift giving is less about genuine emotions and more about obligation, in which case not receiving a gift may feel more like a betrayal of expectations than a betrayal of emotions.
When receiving a gift, it is not explicitly required to reciprocate the gesture, because it was a gift freely given without expectation of compensation. However, in reality, there is a spirit of exchange in gift giving. When you give a gift you generally expect to receive one back. When you are kind and generous, you expect others to be kind and generous back. If they are not, then the giver may feel taken advantage of and that their generosity was not valued. In the future the giver may not give a gift to the same person because they do not feel that it is a fare exchange, a gift for a gift.
When receiving a gift, it is not explicitly required to reciprocate the gesture, because it was a gift freely given without expectation of compensation. However, in reality, there is a spirit of exchange in gift giving. When you give a gift you generally expect to receive one back. When you are kind and generous, you expect others to be kind and generous back. If they are not, then the giver may feel taken advantage of and that their generosity was not valued. In the future the giver may not give a gift to the same person because they do not feel that it is a fare exchange, a gift for a gift.