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Dealing with generosity

September 12th, 2006 at 07:22 am

Nothing terribly interesting to report today, but in the spirit of using this blog to log all my expenses, here goes.

I went to Costco today and picked up five large avocadoes for $4.99.

I sense a sushi and miso soup day in the near future. Big Grin

I wanted to get a 6 lb. bag of pretzels (for $3.49), but my roommie saw me hesitate, so he got it instead.

Great, now I'll not only be unable to buy it in the future (because we already have it), but I'll also feel guilty eating it because I didn't pay for it.

Offering to pay for half wouldn't work because I know he wouldn't accept. I've already tried with the natural gas bill--it went up significantly after I moved in because I'm the main cook in the house, so I told him I'll pay for the whole thing, or he can contribute a fixed $5 per month as his share, since that was how much he was paying before I moved in, but he wouldn't hear of it.

Maybe it's odd to be frustrated with someone else's generosity, but I do feel really bad. I like to be fair. That means splitting everything down the middle, and not taking charity. Otherwise, I feel like that is crossing the line from frugality into cheapness. But I can't stop him from spending money *for* me.

I bet lots of people would kill to have this "problem", but we've already established that I am something of a freak of nature. Stick Out Tongue

6 Responses to “Dealing with generosity”

  1. Bookie Says:
    1158065269

    Let me guess, you have no problem being generous with others, right? It's only when you are on the receiving end of kindness or consideration that it bothers you? Me too.

    I had to learn to let other people have the pleasure of treating and sharing. Otherwise, I come across as controlling. Enjoy a pretzel.

  2. LuxLiving Says:
    1158074543

    Eat eat you look so thin! Big Grin
    An old boyfriend's mother used to drive me crazy with this kind of thing...got to where I wouldn't go shopping with her. If I admired anything, even so little as touching something to feel the fabric she'd insist on buying it for me!! AUGGGGGGGHHHHHH!! no, No, NO!!! Bad Mocha!!

    I ended up feeling like she was trying to buy affection for her son. Bad situation...so I can sort of understand what you're saying.

    ~LuxLivingFrugalis

    P.S.
    I still wear the classic black coat she bought me for Christmas over _ _ (double digit) years ago.


    Eat the pretzel or buy your own and hide them in your closet!

  3. LdyFaile Says:
    1158075586

    I know exactly how you feel! It's hard to accept but definately work on it. It's not like you're going to start expecting it now just accept the little things as they come.

  4. yummy64 Says:
    1158117097

    Enjoy the pretzels and look for non monetary ways to brighten his day!

    Its not all about money in this life. You can give back to people without it involving money. Time, kindness, thoughfulness, not killing him at some point when any sane person would consider homicide (toilet seat up at 3am and you almost fall in at 3am).

    I don't know if you've run into people who are horrid at accepting a gift. Have you ever watched them? If not have you run into those people who refuse a compliment. Please try not to be like them.

  5. baselle Says:
    1158120684

    Say "thank you" and move on. If you feel a real need to pay him back, put the money you would have spent into a little account - mimi's generosity challenge.

  6. Broken Arrow Says:
    1158171449

    I... love... sushi!

    When am can I come over?

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