Would you accept a monetary gift from a friend?

[Skierchickie]

I guess I'm in the minority - in a big way! I'd be extremely uncomfortable. I absolutely don't think there is anything wrong with it, and it is extremely generous of your friend. However, I'm just that kind of person, I suppose. If I had fallen on extremely hard times and needed the money for my mortgage or food, I would have to consider it, but I'm pretty positive that I wouldn't take it for something fun, however kind the offer was. I think my feeling on this is probably due to my parents, and the fact that they worked, worked, worked (farming), and rarely did anything for fun while I was growing up, especially if it cost money. We went on exactly 3 family vacations when I was a kid, and did that as inexpensively as possible. I never stayed in a motel until I traveled on the ski team in college.

People's definition of "necessity" varies. It's more about your gut feeling and the kind of friendship you have. In my case, I don't want to borrow money from anyone, even parents. After DH lost his job, his Dad offered to make some of our mortgage payments. I felt sick at the thought! We agreed that that would be a last resort. I do have to say that my DH is still drawing unemployment, and is going to school (career change). I am very uncomfortable with that, but he is following the rules of the program. We've had a few discussions.

More full disclosure - I'm a hermit, and don't have many close friends. This colors my outlook quite a bit. I'm just plain uncomfortable in social situations, especially with more than 1 or 2 other people. I can barely (and often bail out when the time approaches) make myself go to a Christmas or retirement party, let alone travel to socialize!

PLEASE remember that my response is based on my own, personal nature (weird as it is), and not a comment on whether I think it is right or wrong. It would be wrong for me.

[Kubla]

My best friend Marge was a caring, generous person. During a time when I would sometimes have to choose between buying peanut butter or toilet paper, she surprised me with a CARE package filled with books, gift certificates and my favorite food treats.

When she received a sizable inheritance, she sent a me a large check and explained that she could not enjoy the windfall knowing that I was pinching pennies every week.

I agree that there are some people with whom you feel there are strings attached to an offer. I would not accept if that seemed to be the case.
Then we have angels masquerading as people on Earth...

My friend has been gone a number of years, but whenever I have a little extra time or cash -I try to pay it forward in her memory.

[limewave]

I have to admit I was feeling really strange about her offer at first. But after reading all of your posts, I started to think I might accept it. She is a good friend. I know there would be no strings attached and no expectations.

Last night I discussed it with DH. He looked so defeated when I told him about her offer. I know he feels bad that I'm having to work 2 jobs right now and that he can't provide for us the way he wants to. He's working so hard. He has a family business with his parents, they are having health issues right now. DH is juggling 3 jobs and also trying to chase new work.

Anyways, all that to say, I think I'm going to tell my friend no. Missing one trip is not a big deal. DH has enough pressure on him right now without adding more guilt.

[TsPoet]

Anyways, all that to say, I think I'm going to tell my friend no. Missing one trip is not a big deal. DH has enough pressure on him right now without adding more guilt.

Regardless of whether it's yes or no - I'd "pay" her back with a ?
I'm thinking a nice home made dinner, nothing fancy (or expensive!), hamburgers and good company to thank her for her offer.
If you are crafty, a home made gift, something small - just a token of "thanks".

[Bike Chick]

I think you are doing the right thing, Lime. You have to listen to your gut and after the reaction you received from your husband, I don't think it would be worth it. Men tend to measure their self-worth by how well they are providing for their families. There may be more damage to your husband's mental state than benefit to yours if you accepted.

I'm in the minority here as well and agree with Shootingstar, Skierchickie and youforgot. I am very generous and have done my share of anonymous gift giving and paying it forward. I have also been the recipient when I fell on hard times. During my divorce, my kids and I moved to a new town and I wasn't receiving any support from my ex-husband. Some of my coworkers suprised me with baskets of food and some money for groceries. I needed it desperately and was very thankful and appreciative but felt that it elevated them above me and didn't do much to help my already rock-bottom self-esteem. I paid them all back or returned the favor over the next few years and it bothered me until I did. I just don't think loaning money between family or friends is a good idea.

[ny biker]

I have to admit I was feeling really strange about her offer at first. But after reading all of your posts, I started to think I might accept it. She is a good friend. I know there would be no strings attached and no expectations.

Last night I discussed it with DH. He looked so defeated when I told him about her offer. I know he feels bad that I'm having to work 2 jobs right now and that he can't provide for us the way he wants to. He's working so hard. He has a family business with his parents, they are having health issues right now. DH is juggling 3 jobs and also trying to chase new work.

Anyways, all that to say, I think I'm going to tell my friend no. Missing one trip is not a big deal. DH has enough pressure on him right now without adding more guilt.

FWIW, my father worked 2-3 jobs while I was growing up just to pay the bills. We never had a lot of money. Most of our vacations were trips to visit relatives, staying at their house. When we did go anywhere else, we always went camping because we couldn't afford to stay in hotels. And going out to dinner was usually McDonalds. But my friend whose family had lots of money once described his father as "a ball of hate." I'd much rather have my parents than his.

[limewave]

We've already gotten so much help and support from our friends and community in small ways that have really added up. This particular friend was able to get baby formula for us at 50% of the price. And a relative works at Gerber and could get us boxes of baby food for $2-3.

I've also done bartering for services: we've exchanged for free lawn care (we had 8 stumps ground out), daycare services, piano lessons for DD, unlimited supply of bake goods and bread. We're really fortunate. I design a lot of race t-shirts so DH and I can do events for free.

[Flybye]

I have done it for a friend too - gave her $$ so that we could go to a hotel for the weekend together and shop and play. It blessed ME to be able to do that for her.

[bcipam]

I have mixed feelings about this...

First off, we should not refuse "gifts". Gift giving is a pleasure for most and refusing to accept such gifts is disrespectful. That said, this isn't really a gift, something given in exchange for celebration, or congratulations etc. Your friend needs a partner or most likely she can't go on the trip. I have offered to pay for friends as well as I don't like to go on trips alone. That said, understand the nature and intent of the offer. Personally, if she is a good forend, I would agree to accept the "loan" but offer to pay her back later either in money, services or goods. I would definitely agree to pay for meals, or gas or other incidentals during the trip.

Only you really know the nature of your friendship and you need to weigh how this is going to affect that friendship. Another thing to offer... some time ago, I was struggling to pay off my credit cards bills. I had friends taking this trip or that and i wanted to go. I even had a friend agree to pay for airfare to Europe. I almost jumped at the chance but then came to my senses... I needed to get out of debt and not incur more. I needed to bite the bullet and for 3 years took no trips or vacations. Now I am debt free and can travel without guilt. I think you made the right decision....