What's a good non-cash compensation/show of appreciation to a neighbor for cat-sitting? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 22 hours ago by gigastasio@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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He won’t take cash, that’s why. Just the kind of guy he is. He’s gonna be taking care of my cat for a week while I’m on vacation.

Thought about a couple cases of his favorite beer. Still might do that. Any other ideas?

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[-] enchanted@lemmy.world 12 points 22 hours ago

If he's the type of guy that doesn't expect repayment and did it out of the kindness in his heart, you can reciprocate by doing the same. Let him know you owe him one, and make sure sure it's received that you're serious and not just something "you say".

When your time comes to do something for him, do you expect payment? Or for him to grovel?

[-] AnarchistArtificer@lemmy.world 1 points 8 hours ago

Yeah, and I would add that even if OP does get a small token of appreciation for their neighbour, but it would be good to emphasise that OP doesn't feel like the gift has paid their neighbour back for their help, but just a little extra, and that the neighbour should let OP know in future if there's any way for them to help out.

I say this as someone who often explicitly prefers to not be paid back for kindnesses done unto others. I'd prefer someone to pay me back in kindness in the future. After all, if I'm in a position to help someone out, then it's likely that I'm not in particular need of receiving extra kindness at that point in time. However, if I remain friends with someone for long enough, inevitably our positions will end up being reversed at some point. It's nice to feel like I'm a part of a dynamic little equilibrium.

And if there never comes an opportunity to pay me back, then paying it forward works for me too. None of us can escape living under late stage capitalism, but small acts of community building feel like a hint of an escape

this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2026

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