Ethical Connundrum

[charliesmum]

I am interested in getting your opinion on something.

I've been driving Charlie's friend to school in the mornings - his house isn't really out of my way, and I go right past the school on my way to work, and now the weather is bad it just makes more sense then sending them to the bus stop.

This morning, he handed me a card, and in it was $20.00 and a thank you for driving.

Now, with my current financial status, an extra $20.00 I wasn't expecting is rather welcome, but I feel a bit guilty about accepting it.

What do you think?

Is it rude not to accept a gift? Should one just give a heartfelt thanks, and move on, or should one say "Oh, I couldn't possibly accept this. It is my pleasure to drive the kid every morning."

Comments

[pairika.livejournal.com]

My philosophy is this: if someone goes as far as giving you a gift, just accept it with grace. "Guilt" for being given something has no point, really. Just pass along the kindness (which you're already doing in your own way)!

(I have never understood that fake "You shouldn't have!" crap!) ;)