Being kind to neighbors is great -- but there's a fine line and it sort of sounds like you're trying to "orbit" them and weasel into their social circle.

There is absolutely no need for a creepy back and forth gifts or giving them anything to "celebrate" their return home. Please don't do that.

Anonymous wrote:I think it would be nice to give them a small welcome back gift like the plant you mentioned.

Don't give people who regularly go away for long intervals a plant. These people will probably go away next winter too.

I would honestly be stressed if you gave me a plant. Then I'd mentally feel like I owed them something next and I hate that feeling.

Zero this situation out, move on with the friendship and enjoy having them back around!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you've both done enough, don't start a competition over who is more grateful. It sounds like they lean towards not wanting to be indebted so no gifts.

This

+2 You did them a big favor, they thanked you with a generous gift, now you are DONE.

Anonymous wrote:It's over the top. Just return their mail and move on.

stop the madness. just be good neighbors- as you have been. it's like a thank you note for a thank you note for a thank you note ....

I think it would be nice to give them a small welcome back gift like the plant you mentioned.

It's over the top. Just return their mail and move on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wondering why you felt the need to text them that you took care of their snow and ice removal? In any case, no need to thank them for their thank you. Stop the madness.

I disagree. If I were gone and I had a sidewalk I would be grateful to know someone had cleared that for me as it’s the law to clear the snow from a sidewalk.

But yeah don’t worry about the thank you for the thank you. Just welcome them back warmly.

+1
I agree, and you both sound like nice neighbors.

^ and adding to my post, they paid you for the snow and ice removal. It was nice of you to do and hard work. That’s why.

Anonymous wrote:I think you've both done enough, don't start a competition over who is more grateful. It sounds like they lean towards not wanting to be indebted so no gifts.

This! It will make them feel bad. It will start the cycle all over again. Please don’t give them anything. Just drop off their mail and thank them for the cash.

I am those people. I don’t want to feel like I owe anyone anything. I would really appreciate all you did but now feel l have to reciprocate if you gave me muffins or a plant and it would actually cause stress.

It looks like you ➕ your neighbors share a mutual, great relationship!
It is always a blessing to have neighbors that you can depend on when you need a little help as well as those your family can trust. ❤️

While it is nice that you want to reciprocate the money that was sent to you - - yes, if you in turn buy or bake something for them, it WILL be over the top.
You are already showing them that you appreciate them as neighbors trust me!

Anonymous wrote:Wondering why you felt the need to text them that you took care of their snow and ice removal? In any case, no need to thank them for their thank you. Stop the madness.

I disagree. If I were gone and I had a sidewalk I would be grateful to know someone had cleared that for me as it’s the law to clear the snow from a sidewalk.

But yeah don’t worry about the thank you for the thank you. Just welcome them back warmly.