Would this neighbor request feel burdensome to you?

[Anonymous]

I’m friendly with a woman next door—we chat regularly, occasionally go to dinner or have drinks on patios, etc., though we’re not super close.

I’m leaving town for 9 days (leaving on a Saturday and returning the following Sunday) and need someone to water my outdoor potted flowers plus a small perennial garden. I would water everything before leaving Saturday, and again when I get home Sunday, so it would really just be the days in between, when it doesn’t rain.

The actual watering would probably take about 5 minutes a day.

She’s around 60–65, gardens constantly, and watches her little granddaughter daily, so I thought it might even be something the granddaughter would enjoy helping with. That gave me the idea to ask.

If your neighbor asked you to do this, would you feel put out? Also, would you offer money upfront? I assume she’d initially decline, but I do plan to pay or gift something regardless. What would be appropriate?

[Anonymous]

I would not be bothered at all. I don't think payment is appropriate. I'd give her a nice thank you gift when you get back.

[Anonymous]

I do this for a friend/neighbor. It’s no problem at all. Please don’t offer to pay. It’s insulting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m friendly with a woman next door—we chat regularly, occasionally go to dinner or have drinks on patios, etc., though we’re not super close.

I’m leaving town for 9 days (leaving on a Saturday and returning the following Sunday) and need someone to water my outdoor potted flowers plus a small perennial garden. I would water everything before leaving Saturday, and again when I get home Sunday, so it would really just be the days in between, when it doesn’t rain.

The actual watering would probably take about 5 minutes a day.

She’s around 60–65, gardens constantly, and watches her little granddaughter daily, so I thought it might even be something the granddaughter would enjoy helping with. That gave me the idea to ask.

If your neighbor asked you to do this, would you feel put out? Also, would you offer money upfront? I assume she’d initially decline, but I do plan to pay or gift something regardless. What would be appropriate?

It seems burdensome to me but I would setup a timer based sprinkler system in the time I would be away. I don’t like having to depend on others but also do not want the pressure of forgetting to do something or messing something up that I agreed to.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it would be a burden for someone who likes gardening.

[Anonymous]

This something friendly neighbors do. Don’t offer to pay, but a thank you gift would be nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This something friendly neighbors do. Don’t offer to pay, but a thank you gift would be nice.

This. I wouldn’t want to live someplace where this would feel burdensome. It’s a very small ask.

[Anonymous]

That's fine, OP. I would be happy to do that for you, without any payment. Please ask!

[Anonymous]

I don't garden so I might be a little nervous about it, but I'd be fine doing it. No pay needed.

[Anonymous]

Find a neighborhood kid to do it. Pay them $20.

[Anonymous]

I do this frequently for a neighbor. No problem. Sometimes I get a small gift . I don't care either way

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This something friendly neighbors do. Don’t offer to pay, but a thank you gift would be nice.

+1

[Anonymous]

We do this for our neighbor all the time and he can travel to India for the summer and stay more than a month.

[Anonymous]

Do not say, "granddaughter might like to do this". No. This is a favor. Always ask for a favor humbly.

I remember a neighbor calling. She said she had a "volunteer opportunity" for my teen. She meant a favor. We/my teen declined

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't garden so I might be a little nervous about it, but I'd be fine doing it. No pay needed.

Turn on faucet
Aim hose nozzle at plant
Spray water
Drench soil
Turn off faucet