Recently 8 inches of rain fell from the sky in one day which led to my basement flooding from back up water through the drain pipe. My basement was partially finished, but I didn't lose much besides the carpeting. While dumping my garabage I spoke to my neighbor for the second time in a year and he insisted he help me with getting my carpet out of my basement because he knew how hard it was to do, having just finished his own. I was hesitant, but finally agreed (which was wise because there is no way I could have done it by myself). I offered money or to take him to dinner when the job was done, but he refused saying "no problem". I told him I would be available to him for absolutely anything he needed help with in the future, but I still feel indebted to him and want to do something for him.
Any Suggestions?
I thought to buy a couple of lobsters and a bottle of wine for them but I think I remember that he said he doesn't like lobster and doesn't drink!
2006-09-26 04:13:42 · 20 answers · asked by linkus86 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
He and his wife just had a baby 7 weeks ago and I think they are both are born again christians.
2006-09-26 04:17:49 · update #1
Some people give just for the great feeling they get from doing it. They are not and actually prefer not to keep score. If you give him something in return for the deed then he no longer gets to enjoy the great feeling he got from doing it. Don't deprive him of that.
Instead.... let this one go and just enjoy making a new friendship. The next time you see that he could use some help with a new situation that isnt related to this one, be there for him the way he was for you. This is how great friendships are built.
2006-09-26 04:18:02 · answer #1 · answered by cammsters 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Mom, I would say that the nicest thing you could do for them is to buy the baby a gift. It's a small gesture that won't make him uncomfortable - because it's for the baby and not him. If you're not sure what to buy the baby, then visit the link below at Toys R Us. It's the section for ideas on gifts from Birth to 12 months. Then you can find what you want and either buy it on-line or go down to the actual store and pick it up. Personally, I think the Fisher Price Aquarium is something nice that babies LOVE and it would kind of be funny -- since he did help you with your water problem. Include a nice note that says something like "Dear Baby (of whatever the name is) you're lucky to have such nice and helpful parents" and then write underneath "Dear Bill (or whatever his name is) - thanks again for the help. I really appreciated it!" You could just leave it on the doorstep. I think they would be pleased. Good luck!
2006-09-26 11:29:41 · answer #2 · answered by ggirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dont worry about it. If he says "No Problem" he probably really means it. He is just helping others. If he is a born again christian then he is only doing the right thing without asking anything in return. Dont feel indebt to him. But if you feel you should get him something, just get a gift basket for the family or a gift card somewhere. They will appreciate it and you'll feel better.
2006-09-26 11:26:35 · answer #3 · answered by timberly K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask him what religion he is. If he tells you that he always wants to help his fellow man then find out why and ask him for a Bible study that will help you in your own life to be more helpful and personable with others. Sadly, many of us are going through life without even knowing our own neighbors. I grew up in a time when we knew everyone around us for blocks. I guess love for neighbor is diminishing. The Bible said that love of the greater number would cool off before the end would come. I guess this proves it.
2006-09-26 11:20:20 · answer #4 · answered by Gail B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your neighbor said he never wanted anything this is a gesture of kindness ,in return I feel the proper thing to do is always make sure now if you see someone in need just help them as what he did for you makes then world a more giving place I feel if not expected in return.
2006-09-26 12:14:16 · answer #5 · answered by Caroline 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write him a very nice note thanking him. You might get a gift for the baby if you are so inclined. You can pay him back by being a good neighbor to he and his family.
I am happy your flood did not do any more damage than it did.
2006-09-26 14:27:41 · answer #6 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drop off or send them a card thanking them for their kindness and offer to help them any time they might need something. You could go crazy and include a small gift but usually if they don't or won't take an offer verbally, they don't usually feel good about accepting gifts....a card will do I think.//g
2006-09-26 11:17:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hum... how about for the holidays... send them a gift basket of fruits, nuts, things like that.. ?
and a card!
oh... invite them for a quiet day someplace nice that you know of?
(obviously when something bad happens with them return the favor to help them like he did with you.)
but until then... if he's at work and she's home? offer to do some chores or grocery shopping for her? ?
there's many opportunities.
sit on it a while.. make sure you know what they'd like or not like.. so on.
oh and food related make sure you find out somehow if they've got allergies to anything.. that's a big plus! don't give them something that will sicken them...
hum.... what i usually do is get my friends meat/cheese or chocolate gift baskets so on... with a card... offer to help with minimal chores such as recent neighbor had a hystderectomy and i do the grocer shopping, laundry... mow the yard. :D
think on it, take your time... don't look like you're too willing to please now... you know how proud folks can be.
:D
2006-09-26 11:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are random acts of kindness which people do not expect to receive anything for. If you have ever seen the movie pay it forward you may be experiencing a similar phenomenon.
Be thankful there are still people who are willing to help with no expectation of reward. Send a thank you note.
2006-09-26 11:20:29 · answer #9 · answered by Serve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what your neighbor did was very friendly and I think it's great that you want to express your gratitude.
How about a plate of cookies and a nice thank-you note?
Also, in the future, you can be extra friendly to them around the neighborhood, and if you find out that they need help you can help them out.
2006-09-26 14:55:16 · answer #10 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋