Recently I lost my job and my apartment at the same time. I'm living with friends while searching for a new job. They know I don't have money to help out with the rent or groceries, but they've graciously allowed me to stay.
I do the dishes and the laundry as well as helping out with the house cleaning, but they're such naturally clean people that this isn't really much of an effort. Is there something else I should be doing to show them I appreciate what they're doing for me? I can't take them out to dinner or buy them gifts, so what else can I do to earn my keep?
2006-11-21 10:15:21 · 5 answers · asked by 1TrillionGrams 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Life is long, you'll have time to eventually pay them back. Don't worry about it now. Wait until you land a new job, then you could take them out to dinner or whatever. Be patient.
2006-11-21 10:37:34 · answer #1 · answered by mac 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ask them what you could do for them.
Let them know how you feel and that you want to help with your keep.
Sure later when you have a job and even a place to stay.. take them out to dinner as a thank-you for the hard time you went though.
But for now ask if there is anything else you can do that would help around the place.
Communication dose go a long way in any situation.
2006-11-21 10:52:51 · answer #2 · answered by A Lady Dragon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in the exact same situation as you and like you're doing already, I clean house, take out the trash and any other small tasks that I can merely to show my appreciation. The key thing is this, your friends are aware of your situation and it sounds to me as if you're clearly humbled by them letting you stay. Continue to assist around the house, offer to take on small projects that they've been putting off, whenever anything needs to be done--simply offer yourself.
In my situation, my good friend happens to be a wonderful cook--so whenever he cooks, almost instantly, I'm washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. If he mentions that the lawn needs to be watered--it's done. Possibly the worst thing we could do in our situation is be lazy.
But remember is this--continue to respect their home, don't be a snoop, ask permission before having company and all in all, honor the rules of the household. Those gestures will show that you are indeed appreciative of them.
And once you get on your feet, then get them something nice as a symbol of your gratitude.
2006-11-21 12:12:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask if they would like your assistance with preparing meals. If they work, and you're at home, this could be a help to them. But since they are purchasing the groceries, they may not want you to do this - so I would ask. And when in doubt, let them know that you want to feel like you're contributing, and ask if there's anything else you can do to help them out.
2006-11-21 10:29:21 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try not to stay with them for more than 6 months.
2006-11-21 22:26:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋