helping neighbors..they keep trying to pay me.

[elky McElkerson]

i live in a culdesac. everyone i like and talk to..retired. mostly old women. there are three households still working..and i am the youngest.

i help them all. i have a soft spot for the elderly. the guy that lived across the street from me in texas passed away the same week i walked over there to meet him..(after years of ignoring him) we had a card game planned. i regret not spending more time with him.

now i moved to Cali, and i am surrounded by old folks! i\'ve been spreading mulch, changing oil in cars, cleaning gutters, etc. yesterday, i changed out a dead battery. she paid me back for the battery ($75 at costco!)..later she came by and chased me around with a few bucks!! i told her to consider it a mother\'s day gift..but she insisted..almost got mad at me. i took it. i felt bad about it..

those ladies are so nice, and i WANT to help them. happy about it.

give me some nice \"Exits\" for refusing money..something that appeals to the elderly.

the dead battery lady used to be married to the biggest rancher in the area...wonderful deer and turkey spot!! too bad they hate each other..hahah..

i keep hoping one of her sons drops by and sees all my good work..haha..one of the sons run the ranch now. he so rarely visits.

 

[timberland]

We have this conversation on church council quite often about unnecessary payment or gift. Graciously accept after one declination and state that in the future you like pie, card game, etc. instead of money. Many times the offer of payment is their way to feel empowered instead of needing \"help.\" One of the hardest things for the elderly is the feeling of not being able to contribute to society and money is the best way for them to \"help in return.\"

 

[elky McElkerson]

We have this conversation on church council quite often about unnecessary payment or gift. Graciously accept after one declination and state that in the future you like pie, card game, etc. instead of money. Many times the offer of payment is their way to feel empowered instead of needing \"help.\" One of the hardest things for the elderly is the feeling of not being able to contribute to society and money is the best way for them to \"help in return.\"

man..i appreciate this answer! i think i get it.

thanks!!!

 

[cnelk]

Ask for their favorite recipe.
I bet you\'ll get it warm

 

[mainebrdr]

What works for me is to tell them to forget it for now because someday I may need their help and then they can repay me. Usually works! Although some of these folks have excellent deer hunting on their ground and I get reimbursed every fall!

 

[elky McElkerson]

thanks..cored holes and installed a bunch of door knobs for a lady.

she got the message...i might need her to feed a few cats later. it worked.