How do you walk the line between not wanting to impose on the host and understanding they want the space to show their hospitality?
How do you walk the line between not wanting to impose on the host and understanding they want the space to show their hospitality?
And when money is involved, what's your approach to not make it turns into an endless awkward back and forth because both sides want to pay?
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When accepting a favor would impose a financial burden, I usually push back twice and then relent. (1) "Are you sure, I can absolutely get this?" (2)"It's really not a problem, I don't mind paying." If they're still insisting at this point, I'll pack down, especially if it's obvious they're trying to do a nice thing.
I used to be more reluctant to accept that sort of help from folks, but there's a quote from the Thomas Covenant series that goes something like "in accepting the gift, one honors the giver." It's kinda stuck with me since I read it; let people give you gifts, it makes them feel good. Graciously accept, and think about how to pay it forward/back.
Couldn't agree more. I grew up poor, and I've been lucky to find a well-paying job in my adult life. It makes me feel so good to be able to do the things for people that I couldn't do when I was younger. I love that quote too - that's totally true for me. I think I get more satisfaction out of being able to offer something than the person actually receiving the thing.