Should I keep my friends money?

Question

I am cat-sitting for my friend and I offered to do it as a favor so she could go on holiday, I didn't expect anything in return. Her cat is a little old and needs pills twice a day but its not much work.

However...before she left she gave me an envelope with money.

I don't know if I should give it back, we're friends and I'm doing this to help her not for money.

Maybe it's a cultural thing as she's American and I'm British. She said it's normal to give your friends money for babysitting. cat-sitting etc. Is this true?

Answer 1

She was trying to be polite and reimburse you for your time which she obviously thinks is valuable. I would leave the money there and tell her that you would rather she spend the money on something like a lunch together. I'm sure she won't be offended.

Answer 2

Ask your friend what the money is meant for. She may have left it to cover food or medication expenses. She may have left it for you. Until you know, return the money and tell her that you were happy to care for her pet and no compensation is needed.

Yes, some people pay for others to baby sit, pet sit or house sit but others do it voluntarily and do not expect payment for services. It depends on the person. To be sure, just ask her.

EMT

My cat is old and needs a little more care than a younger cat. I get one of my friends to watch and take care of her when I'm on vacation or out of town. We just simply return the favor in some way. No money changes hands.

Answer 3

She didn't mean to insult you, she just wanted to show her gratitude and she thought you could use it.

If you want to take the money, just say, "Thank you. But you know I would have done it for nothing." If you don't want to take it, just say, "You were very thoughtful, but I looked after your cat because we're friends."

Answer 4

I wouldn't accept it. I think friends should do each other favours. Its nice!! Some people feel uncomfortable having people doing things for them without them being compensated. My neighbour who we've known for over 30 years won't just accept a favour from us she always buys us flowers or gives us gift vouchers whenever we look after her cats or take in her washing etc. even though we've told her we don't mind doing it and don't need anything in return

If she really is insistant why not use the money to have a meal out together or something similar.

Answer 5

Leave the $$ on the counter and with a note that says "lets use this money to go out for dinner together"

Answer 6

Its pretty common in the US to pay people, even friends, for this kind of help.  You went out of your way to help and that should be compensated.  If you feel really uncomfortable and you might ask her for a similar favor, return it and tell her - I'll get you back someday (meaning you'll ask her for a similar favor).  If you don't see being able to ask her for a favor, keep it.

Answer 7

The money may be a little emergency fund in case you run out of medication or food, or need to make a trip to the vet.  When she returns from her holiday, offer her the envelope back and tell you that thankfully, you did not have any emergencies.  She may accept it back or she may say it is a thank you gift for you.  Then it will be up to you to decide to accept it or not.

Answer 8

I don't think it is a cultural thing, just probably her way of saying thanks.  I would either use the money on the cat's needs (if it has any while she is away) or give it back.  It never hurts to have a friend owe you one... favors are sometimes worth way more than money.