Respect your elders

Mr.Jqna — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:08:59 GMT

I was at my sister’s house one day and her elderly neighbor asked me to come over to see why her faucet was spraying water on her when she turned it on. She had one of those water filters screwed on to the faucet. I gently turned the water on and sure enough, water sprayed from out from where the filter was attached. The problem was that the filter was screwed on with the threads crossed. I put it on properly and the problem was resolved. While I was there she asked me to change a couple of light bulbs. I did that and then she asked for some advice on furniture arranging and picture placement. We discussed it for about a half an hour. After we were done she asked me how much she owed me for my services. I told her since I really didn’t have to do much she could simply treat me to lunch. She said, “Oh that’s just wonderful,” and gave me $2.00. I just accepted the money and went on my way. What would you have done?

RE: Respect your elders

OronD — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:28:38 GMT

Hi,
You have 4 options:
1. Accept the money and shut up.
2. Say you give up the $2.00 (without explaning to
     her why).
3.  Say the simple truth: "Will you please tell me where
     can I get today a resonable lunch, not a fancy one,
     at $2.00 ?".   That can lead to some unpleasant
     situation.
4. Be rude add $3.00 and say: "I challange you: take
     those $5.00 and find a place where you get a lunch
     (reasonable one) for that some".
Best regards,

RE: Respect your elders

Turkish Property — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:25:08 GMT

I would of just accepted the money and walked away.

RE: Respect your elders

bigg-smooth1 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:02:11 GMT

YOU DID RIGHT MY FRIEND. BUT BEING THE JOKER THAT I AM I PROBABLY WOULDVE ASKED HER, "MA'AM, IM 6'4",300 PLUS. WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO EAT WITH 2 DOLLARS. I CANT BUY ANYTHANG WITH THIS BUT A CHIP SANDWICH." CAN SOMEBODY LOAN ME A QUARTER 4 THE TAX ON MY SANDWICH? LOL. LATER. SMOOTH

RE: Respect your elders

bonestructure — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:00:24 GMT

You did the right thing. You don't help people out like that to get paid for it. You do it as one human being to another.

RE: Respect your elders

jada_lynne — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:25:21 GMT

I agree with bonestructure... if you did this lady a favor expecting payment, you should have told her so upfront. Also, remember elderly people don't always realize how much the value of a dollar has changed, so I doubt she intended to insult you. Plus, I can tell you from experience that regardless of how her financial situation looks on the outside, that may really have been all she could afford. One just never knows.

Honestly, it sounds to me like she is lonely and just in need of some human companionship. You changed a filter, some light bulbs, and advised her on furnature placement. You did a good deed and she 'tipped' you. Leave it at that and feel good about what you did for her. That hour and a half may have very well been the highlight of her whole month.