June 14, 201610 yr I have a neighbor, and by all accounts she seems to be a nice, pleasant enough single lady, doesn't make much money. Two young daughters, one just a teenager and the other close to it. So several weeks ago as the weather was warming up and grass cutting time was approaching, I went and bought a new push mower with all the bells and whistles, even posted about it. Cut my grass for the first time a few days after purchase, noticed my neighbors needed cutting as well, and mowed her front and side yards (back yard is fenced in and she has dogs that are let out at times and use the bathroom there...wasn't going to go there). I just felt it was the neighborly thing to do, plus wanted to try my mower out and had plenty of time and energy to do it. Flash forward a few hours later, and neighbor lady is in the store and sees my girlfriend. According to my girlfriend, they stop and talk for a bit, and she mentions to her that she appreciated me mowing her grass. Girl friend said no problem, I can be nice that way and was sure I was glad I could help her out. Neighbor lady then tells my girlfriend it's going to be so great that I will be mowing her yard for her this summer. Girlfriend is kind of taken aback by this comment, after all, all I did was come over and cut her grass that needed to be cut as a neighborly jester, no where did I say anything about mowing her grass for the summer. So after her initial slight shock to the comment, girlfriend tells neighbor lady that she is quite sure I will not be able to mow her yard on a regular basis...I'm a busy guy and have lots of stuff to do, but that she was more than sure I would be willing to let her borrow the mower when needed to cut her grass (long story short, neighbor commented she can't afford to buy a more, nor pay someone to mow it). neighbor lady then comments that borrowing a more wouldn't work, she's busy and wouldn't have time to do it.:irked: Ok, now I am completely bowled over by this conversation. So, in short, neighbor lady now EXPECTS me to cut her grass since she can't afford a mower or someone to mow it, and when offed the FREE USE of a mower, states that won't work either because she doesn't have time. Since that time, I have mowed her grass probably 4 more times, including last night. I have skipped mowing it a couple of times, and each time she has made no effort to get it cut, it gets tall and ugly looking, and I break down and mow it like I did last night so it doesn't make my house/yard and the front of the neighborhood look like crap. And not once has she offered to make some kind of gesture of gratitude...bake a couple dozen toll house cookies or some banana nut bread and bring over, here's a six pack of beer for your trouble...something. That's what my girlfriend would have done if in the same situation. And not that I did it originally for the gratitude, I did it to be neighborly. But if she wants me to cut it for her (much less expect me to do it) you would think some sort of gesture like that would be not just common courtesy, but common sense. What would you do? Would you continue to mow it? Would you label this "welfare mentality"? Cause that's sure what it comes across as to me. My dad told me a long time ago about car ownership...if you can't afford to put tires on it, fix the brakes, change the oil, etc., then you couldn't afford the car. Can't afford a stinking mower to mow your grass? Then maybe home ownership isn't in the cards for you.
June 14, 201610 yr Given the circumstances I'd let it go and let the city deal with the overgrown grass, if they do such a thing in your area.
June 14, 201610 yr How in the heck do you not have time to cut your grass? Over the course of the week, she has time somewhere. I don't believe that she doesn't. It's uncomfortable, but if you want the change to happen, a good old fashioned "you need to listen to me because you're head is in your butt" conversation needs to happen. Otherwise, offer it up a service and be the bigger person. Don't allow the situation to make you bitter, because ultimately, you're in the right, you're the one doing a good thing.
June 14, 201610 yr You mowed the grass even after the conversation? 4 times? Nope! Sorry about your luck lady. I'd give her a list of apartments she could move into.
June 14, 201610 yr No question I would stop mowing the grass and have a conversation with her. If she doesn't do it at some point someone will call the city (you) and they will cut it for her and send her the bill I believe.
June 14, 201610 yr "I can help you out on occasion when I have the time and when I'm in the mood, but it won't be a regular thing."
June 14, 201610 yr Another solution could be to teach the daughters how to do it if you think they're responsible enough. Tell their mom the situation so there is no liability in case something bad happens. But for the most part, there is no reason that a teenage girl can't cut the grass. Plus, I assume they have the time since its summer.
June 14, 201610 yr Why do you keep cutting her grass?! You are an enabler. Neighbors got him whipped.
June 14, 201610 yr "I can help you out on occasion when I have the time and when I'm in the mood, but it won't be a regular thing." Sounds like a few of my recent "relationships." To the post, if you enjoy mowing and can afford the wear on you and your machine, keep at it. Incorporate a pattern between the two yards and make them the best looking yards on the block. That's my mentality. Plus, if she hits the lottery down the road, maybe she'll upgrade your equipment. To me, the fact that you've continued to mow despite not being compensated says that you really don't mind, you're just looking for a little appreciation.
June 14, 201610 yr I do not believe I would have been mowing her grass a 2nd time after the conversation with my girlfriend. You're a nicer guy than me.
June 14, 201610 yr Continue to mow her grass, it's just the right thing to do. My right knee has been giving me fits lately, think you could load up your mower and help a brother out this summer?
June 14, 201610 yr Why is continuing to mow the grass for a person who is clearly taking advantage of him "the right thing to do?"
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