In the Mexican culture if someone does a favor must the receiver give you a gift?

Question

I was taught if you do someone a favor you do it out of the kindness of your heart. But I've noticed that Mexicans always want to give me something. Even the poorest ones I know will give you something. They get upset if you refuse the gift.

It makes me feel uncomfortable to accept a gift. To me it feels like I was seeking a gift instead of performing a labor of love.

But I can also see that the receiver doesn't want to feel like they are getting charity. But I don't feel like I'm giving charity when I do the favor. I feel like it's my duty as a human to help other humans.

Help me navigate this delicate situation, please!

Answer 1

My grandmother always taught me to do something for the GOOD of it, NOT for the glory of it.

However, it is also rude to not accept a gift when offered...so if I were in your situation, I would graciously decline, and if they insisted, accept it, kindly thank them, and be on your way.

If the gift is something you wouldn't appreciate, donate it to a thrift store for a good cause or something, and the goodness continues.

Answer 2

Half of my family is Mexican, so this is coming from personal experience.

The Mexican culture is hardworking, and they are taught that nothing in life is free. If you are helped, you help that person. Otherwise you're greedy and rude. Like all cultures, they have their own values that they feel particularly passionate about. This is one of them.