I have a problem.

[conuly]

There's this woman I talk to at the Farmer's Market, we've been friendly since forever.

And every time I see her... well... she knows about our various financial situations. She keeps slipping me money.

So today, I talk to her, we're good, and as I turn to go - she hands me some money. After arguing, I finally just take it, because how do you politely tell somebody "don't give me money!"

And as I leave she slips some more money in my bag.

It's like being pickpocketed, but worse. It's putpocketing. It's really damn embarrassing. Youse guys know I don't mind asking for stuff when I need it, but this isn't the same at all!

And I can't just tell her to knock it off, because I do like her, and anyway, she's old, and I apparently feel that one shouldn't just up and yell at old people, not without a really good reason. "Stop giving me money" isn't a really good reason, much though I think it is.

Heeeeeeeeelp meeeeeeee.

Comments

[peebs1701.livejournal.com]

1. You could tell her you feel really bad about taking the money from her since you don't need it.

2. You could use the money to buy something for her.

3. You could shut up and take the money while smiling politely and saying "thank you." She's a little old lady who is trying to do something nice and it makes her feel really good and you already said you don't want to hurt her feelings anyway. :)

That last one isn't meant to sound as mean as I think it comes off in writing.

[mayna.livejournal.com]

That's a good idea, I like the first one.

[conuly]

So would I. If it worked.

I suspect that would result in an even larger bit of money being putpocketed, if I followed through on it and didn't give up arguing.

[ladyshrew.livejournal.com]

I sort of have to agree with the general idea of #3. I mean, she seems to get a lot of joy out of helping you. And, y'know, she may actually have a lot of money she'd like to get rid of and give to people who could use it before she passes away.

But I guess I'd find out if she can really afford to give you the money and if she has anyone else who could use it more than you. If she doesn't and if she can afford it, then I think there's no harm in giving her that particular joy.

Old people are like that about giving away money, I've noticed. We've got a guy at Borders who insists on tipping more than his coffee costs at the cafe (no, seriously) and who once wouldn't let me give him back his dollar when he gave me a dollar too much to make change for him. (I seriously told him I wasn't even allowed to accept it at the registers, and he was like, rules are meant to be broken!)