I have worked at a large corporation for about 6 months, with many different offices/departments in the same building. There is an upcoming shower for a woman who works in another department, whom I have never met and the other people in my office (who all know her) are chipping in to buy a gift. Should I feel obligated to contribute, or is it okay to decline?
2007-09-13 07:33:37 · 13 answers · asked by Historian-in-training 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
This happens at my office and I tell them the truth. "I can't afford it" or "I did not budget for that this week" They all know how long its been since my cheap boss gave us a raise so they understand.
2007-09-13 07:52:16 · answer #1 · answered by Charlee's Mama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Id decline if I was in your position. You dont know her AND she works in a different department so why should you feel obligated to give/chip in for a gift.
2007-09-13 07:40:48 · answer #2 · answered by PM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't feel obligated but you do...
Be prepared for all of the others in the office to gossip about you as the only person who didn't contribute. I always feel obligated because the girls at my job are caddy and will do this, gossip about how your the only one who didn't and make up reasons why not.
I wouldnt do it anyway :) Especially since you don't know her or interact with her on a daily basis.
2007-09-13 09:24:45 · answer #3 · answered by Erin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the fact that you don't know her I would say, no you don't have to chip in. It's one thing when you work directly with an individual or have lunch together etc., but just because you both work in the same office building not necessary. Just decline gracefully.
2007-09-13 07:50:57 · answer #4 · answered by ishowtt4beads 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's okay to decline. I've been in the same situation and I don't give to office people I don't know. No one will think badly about you with the exception of ridiculous office nagging gossipy retarded women with no real lives. Since no one cares what they think, it's not a big deal to not chip in.
2007-09-13 07:54:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly OK to decline giving a contribution to a group gift, especially for a person you don't know. If you feel pressured you can give a token amount just to be nice.
2007-09-13 07:40:53 · answer #6 · answered by tetlitea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go without your late one morning and kick in a couple of bucks.
Not chipping in when the hat gets passed is a good way to be pegged as a non-team player - and you'll be on the short list when pink slips are passed out.
That said, you don't have to fork over your entire paycheck. A couple of bucks for someone you don't know - up to $10 for a department mate is fine. Keep a couple of "ones" in your billfold for this kind of office thing.
2007-09-13 07:44:47 · answer #7 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think it would be ok to (respectfully) decline. I could understand the pressure you might feel since it is your co-workers asking you to participate though. Hopefully it wouldn't cause a ruckess if you didn't participate. People can be so cruel sometimes, but I still say you don't have to. Good Luck!
2007-09-13 07:42:45 · answer #8 · answered by fur_ever21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can decline. If you've never met her, you have no obligation to give her a gift.
2007-09-13 07:39:58 · answer #9 · answered by Gina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's quite acceptable to decline on this one!
1. You don't know the woman.
2. She doesn't know you.
End of subject.
2007-09-13 07:40:27 · answer #10 · answered by Cathy C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋