We recently had a baby. Friends and family have overwhlemed us with support and generosity (e.g. food, gifts, support, time, etc.). At this most important, life-chanding, yet stressful time in our lives, we are totally overwhelmed by this outpouring of generosity. What is the etiquette for responding appropriately? Specifically, there are some people who went above and beyond what we could ever do, and this leaves us feeling guilty and confused about how to reciprocate.
2007-02-04 13:24:15 · 7 answers · asked by trocks 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Thank each of them sincerely in a card and LIST each thing they did or gave to you for your new baby, saying what a help and blessing it is. That's all that is required and expected of you. When they have life events (births, weddings, deaths, etc.), then it is your turn to reciprocate, but don't feel bad if you can't afford to give them as much as they gave you. Give what you can, and if it is from the heart, then that's the best. Some people have more in life, and can afford to give more. So do the best you can with what you have. What you feel and express from your heart is what counts.
2007-02-04 13:32:49 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the situation that arose to give rise to people giving you their generosity .. the simplest and least intrusive way to reciprocate to is to be vocal and physically appreciative to all concerned, without going overboard .. at the same time make it clear that should the occasion (unfortunately?) arise you would return the generosity in full and then some .. remember that generosity in the form of aid is the reward that some people get from giving .. my wife and I help support (directly) a family who are struggling, they do not know us nor do we intend to let them know where the help is coming from .. our reward is seeing them less burdened when we pass them in the malls etc., .. we expect and would not take any other form of thanks
2007-02-04 21:33:52 · answer #2 · answered by The old man 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Those people who showed you generosity are not expecting anything back but a heartfelt thank you. They are excited for you and want to help out. Of course, when they have life events of their own, you should give them a gift or help them out in some way.
2007-02-04 21:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by ginger 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer is no. We are not all the same. Reciprocate whatever is comfortable and convenient to you. If a rich relative gives me something expensive, it doesn't mean I have to give him an equivalent gift in return.
2007-02-04 23:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A thank you note, handwritten, thanking them for the overwhelming support and generosity, and hoping one day to be able to support them should be sufficient.
2007-02-04 21:35:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You say thank you sincerely, send a nice card, and let them know you really appreciate what they have done. Please don't feel obligated to reciprocate. Gifts are just that; gifts.
2007-02-04 21:27:55 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
only if it is possible to reciprocate then if not let them know how special it was for them to help and say thank you
2007-02-04 21:32:27 · answer #7 · answered by undercovernudist 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋