They say a picture paints a thousand words – and the same applies to gifts. As you shop for Christmas presents for your partner, unconscious feelings and motivations drive your choices.

俗话说，一幅画胜过千言万语。礼物亦然。你为另一半挑选的圣诞礼物，暴露了你潜意识下的选择。

That means the gift you receive gives you clues about what your partner's thinking.

同样，当TA送你礼物时，你也多少能读出对方的内心。

One study which looked at present giving between partners over a 10-year period of their relationship, showed that in the first few years the gifts were rated as being highly in tune with what the receiver actually wanted. Sadly for many couples, the longer they were together, the less meaningful gifts became.

一项针对伴侣间10年来互送礼物的研究显示，最初几年，双方均对收到的礼物赞不绝口。然而，日子过久了，送礼的心意也淡了。

Whether you're a new couple or an established one, presents are one part of the puzzle to your emotional connection. So if you find one of these favourites under the Christmas tree here is what it reveals:

不管你和TA是新婚鸳鸯，还是老夫老妻，一谈到送礼与感情，多半是一头雾水。如果圣诞节你也收到以下礼物，这就是它揭示的情感密码：

Expensive, sophisticated jewellery like an elegant pearl or diamond pendant

昂贵精美的珠宝，比如一串优雅的珍珠或钻石挂饰

This partner reveals a very traditional and quite serious side to their personality. They take you seriously and it's unlikely you ever feel neglected. You probably find they're steady and responsible by nature.

收到此礼，说明对方观念传统，生性严谨。TA很重视这段感情，因此你无需担心遭到冷落。这样的人，生性稳重，做事负责。

They think carefully about investing their time and energy. They've thought carefully about you and they want to invest that time and energy. They might expect you both to fulfil traditional roles – so be aware of this if you have a non-traditional streak.

在决定在一个人身上投入时间和精力之前他们都会思虑再三。他们已经对你进行了仔细考察，并愿意在你身上倾注大量的时间与精力。不过，TA所期待的也是一场传统的二人关系，所以，可别把你心中的“小怪兽”放出来哟。

Aftershave/male grooming products

须后水/男士护理产品

This is significant of a relationship that's still in the full flush sexual chemistry. It reveals she is attracted to him and expects a full on relationship. It can signal that she's sexually confident, too, and wants her needs met.

这说明两人正处于热恋期。女方深深地迷恋着男方，希望让彼此的关系进一步“升温”。女方“性”致满满，期待与对方更加亲密。

Naming a star or dedicating a tree to you in a framed certificate

以你的名字命名星星或送你一棵树

This gift shows just how much of an incurable romantic your partner is. They probably put you on a pedestal. You can really count on this partner. This choice of an eternally lasting gift reveals a deep need to show just how important their love for you is. They're likely to make frequent romantic gestures.

送你这份大礼，对方一定是个浪漫到骨子里的人。你就是TA的全世界，TA一定对你忠贞不二。这份礼物，代表了永恒，也说明TA渴望展示对你深挚的爱。这样的人，时常会制造浪漫的惊喜。

However, this partner might find it hard to face conflict. True romantics tend to sweep issues under the carpet.

不过，一旦面临矛盾，TA或许会不知所措，毕竟浪漫主义者习惯活在美好的幻想中。

An unexpected pet such as a puppy, kitten, tropical fish or anything requiring a lot of love and care

一份需要爱与呵护的意外之喜，比如小狗、小猫、热带鱼等

Who doesn't love a cute little puppy, kitten or exotic tropical fish? But if you haven't asked for one, this potentially displays ignorance about you from your partner.

萌萌的小狗、小猫，或者热带鱼，可谓人见人爱。不过，若另一半在你没有主动要求的情况下送了你这么个意外之喜，那就只能说TA不太懂你了。

After all, you have a busy life and no time to care for a pet. They probably have an impulsive streak, making snap decisions across your relationship.

想想看，平时工作繁忙，哪有时间去照看小动物呢？这说明，你的TA行事鲁莽，做决定时常常头脑发热。

Tickets to see something you love like your favourite band, show or celebrity

你最爱的演唱会、戏剧或明星见面会门票

This partner is enthusiastic about your relationship. Their gift reveals how much they care about what you like. They want to show you a good time and they try hard.

TA对这份感情挺上心，很关注你的喜好。对方常常想方设法哄你开心。

Beware if you don't share the same level of thoughtfulness in your gift to them – this type of partner will take it hard.

然而，你在准备礼物时，也要百分百地上心，否则对方会大失所望。

A cuddly toy, such as a fluffy puppy, teddy bear or even something from a movie like Frozen

玩偶、绒毛狗、泰迪熊或者《冰雪奇缘》中的人物公仔

This partner is forever youthful but may be a bit immature. They're affectionate and lovable. They can be quite playful in your relationship and make small romantic gestures.

送你上述礼物，说明TA童心未泯，像个长不大的小孩。TA温柔体贴，讨人喜爱，与你相处时，常常插科打诨，不时制造浪漫之喜。

Watch out for the fact this partner may also be the type who needs lots of attention and fussing over.

当然，你也得时时宠着这个“老小孩”。