Help me with a bit of a dilemma.

[trof]

I did a favor for an elderly neighbor a few weeks ago.
It took about an hour and didn't involve any heavy lifting.
Just a little mental effort and filling out a form.
It did save her quite a bit of money on her real estate taxes.

She was pleased with the results and said she'd buy me a steak dinner.
I thanked her and said it wasn't necessary.

Just now she stopped by and gave me an envelope.
She thanked me again and I thanked her for the 'card'.
After she left I opened it and it was indeed a thank you card.
With a $100 bill inside and "You and Helen have a steak on me."

Now she's 'pretty well fixed', as we say, and I know she can well afford it. But I feel...well, I can't find the word...'not right' about it.
I was doing her a favor that was just something she needed and was beyond her capabilities but was relatively easy for me.

On the other hand, now I feel it would be rude to try and return it.

What do all you Miss Manners have to say?
Thanks

[Pierre.Suave]

1. I dont think you have any reason to feel bad about this

If you honestly helped her, and she feels it is worth returning the favor, than go enjoy the steak dinner.

Now if you did something shady and dont feel you deserve it, then I say give it back, but I dont think that is the case here.

[trof]

6. Not really 'bad', just a little uncomfortable.

I guess we've all been there.
You do something for someone purely as a favor and then they want to pay you for it.

If she'd walked up with a Franklin in her hand I would have tried to decline it and talk her out of it.
But she did it so nicely, with the card and all.
And of course I was too well mannered to open it until she had left.
;-)

[rug]

2. Give it to Grovelbot and give her the DU sticker as a thank you.

You'll either find an ally or she'll stop bamboozling you with kindness.

[trof]

4. I might consider tithing.

[MrCoffee]

3. accept it graciously

she obviously wants to repay you for the favor you did her.

[ThomCat]

5. The polite thing to do is to accept the gift, and the spirit in which

it was meant. She doesn't want to feel like she's profitting off of your help without be properly appreciative.

Enjoy your dinner out. :)

[trof]

7. You and Mr. Coffee are right. I was leaning that way.

I'll call her and thank her and accept it in the spirit in which it was offered.
She's a sweet ol' bird, but tough as whitleather.
I wouldn't want to argue with her.
;-)

on edit: She's 72 and runs a CROP DUSTING SERVICE!
whew

[some guy]

8. ooh kinda tough

you were trying to be a good friend/neighbor, and for you that's reward enough.
She wants to show her appreciation, so of course, you can't refuse.

Maybe invite her to "the steak dinner"? I dunno.

:hi: