Would this neighbor request feel burdensome to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll be honest, I wouldn't want the burden of this. Sorry guys!

Of watering your next door neighbor's potted plants once a day for a few days?? Do you never need a minor favor from your nextdoor neighbor? No package being brought out of the rain, no closing the garage door you accidentally left open? Even so, if you really don't want to, you can just say you might be away yourself for part of the week, you aren't sure of your schedule yet, and you don't want to commit to saying yes, and offer your apologies. And it will be totally fine and not rude.

NP. It’s not a “few” days though. It’s 9. I don’t garden myself so yeah, I’m not watering your plans for 9 days. I’m also not picking up your mail or your newspaper (back when those were delivered) for 9 days. 1-2 days, sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is fine to ask. I would not offer payment but I would offer to cover a similar chore for her in the future. And I’d give her a small token of appreciation like baked goods or a gift card for Starbucks or whatever, when I returned.

I don’t know if you have anything similar, but In my neighborhood I could also use our listserv and ask if any middle school or high school kids wanted to earn $50 doing this

This. Just post it on a listserv if you are worried about imposing. It's very exciting for kids to have jobs and earn money.

[Anonymous]

Only offer to pay if the person is under 25. (I hate when people say under 18 when people under 25 are still willing and need walking cash)

[Anonymous]

You asked this a year ago

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1283308.page

[Anonymous]

I think it’s worth asking:
-she enjoys gardening
- is nextdoor
-you are friendly neighbors

Maybe a thank you of a bread (maybe homemade) , or fresh fruit, gardening gloves would be a simple gesture of appreciation - definitely not an item that will add clutter to her house (no souvenirs)

[Anonymous]

Op will go travel again. This is not a one-time thing, a one-time ask. It is at the moment, but Op will need this favor every time she goes away. Saying no to future favors becomes more awkward.

[Anonymous]

^ not saying I wouldn't do it. Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

Some of you guys I don’t get. You talk about lack of community and trouble making friends and then you won’t water someone’s plant once a day for 9 days as a favor. Because it’s too much of an imposition . And you don’t want give the impression you’re available for future favors.

What a sad outlook.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of you guys I don’t get. You talk about lack of community and trouble making friends and then you won’t water someone’s plant once a day for 9 days as a favor. Because it’s too much of an imposition . And you don’t want give the impression you’re available for future favors.

What a sad outlook.

Not even 9, 7; op said she had the two covered

[Anonymous]

I'm that neighbor and have done it for many a friend/neighbir. Just ask. But they could say no if they have their own plans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of you guys I don’t get. You talk about lack of community and trouble making friends and then you won’t water someone’s plant once a day for 9 days as a favor. Because it’s too much of an imposition . And you don’t want give the impression you’re available for future favors.

What a sad outlook.

It's not imposition. They are worried about potential indemnity. What if they hurt themselves while on the neighbor's property? Do you know your neighbor has insurance? Does this one-time access cause a permanent easement that will need to litigated in the future? The mind boggles at the horrific outcomes from this "simple" request.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of you guys I don’t get. You talk about lack of community and trouble making friends and then you won’t water someone’s plant once a day for 9 days as a favor. Because it’s too much of an imposition . And you don’t want give the impression you’re available for future favors.

What a sad outlook.

It's not imposition. They are worried about potential indemnity. What if they hurt themselves while on the neighbor's property? Do you know your neighbor has insurance? Does this one-time access cause a permanent easement that will need to litigated in the future? The mind boggles at the horrific outcomes from this "simple" request.

Oh please. That's the biggest bucket of BS I've hear on DCUM in a while. Just say you don't want to be nice to your neighbors. This "legal" nonsense is hilarious. No one is worried about getting hurt from watering a few potted plants.

[Anonymous]

Why do the plants need to be watered every single day? That’s crazy. You need bigger pots or something.

I can understand asking her to water them just once some time in the middle of the week stretch that you’re away. I think that’s reasonable.

[Anonymous]

I’d be happy to do it, and consider it a normal neighbor request/exchange of favor.

I’d give a thank you note & gift card to a restaurant or store she likes.

[Anonymous]

Maybe when you ask her (if you decide to)
-ask in person but preface it with - take a day or so to think about it & get back to me - unless she jumps on the chance to do this favor (which 100% possible)

I think it’s nice. Strengthens/extend existing relationship. Like something from a Fredrick Bachman book.