DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had the pleasure of babysitting my neighbors' small dog for the weekend. When they returned, they tried to pay me. I politely turned down the money, saying that it was truly my pleasure and it was a favor between friends.
Later that week, I received a thank-you card in the mail that included a gift certificate. I accepted it and thanked them in person for their gesture.
In your opinion, did I handle the situation properly? On the one hand, after turning down cash, I feel a bit hypocritical accepting the gift card. On the other hand, I feel it would be rude to return their gift after all the trouble they went to.
Also, after thanking them in person, do you feel I should have followed up with a written thank-you?
GENTLE READER: Clearly these transactions were going to continue until you accepted something -- and rather than holding out for a watch, you did the right thing by politely conceding. Your in-person thanks was sufficient, Miss Manners assures you.
However, if you are determined to avoid thanks like this again, you might suggest offering to reciprocate in kind, rather than by monetary means. "I sincerely enjoy watching Peepers, and the pleasure of his company is thanks enough. But if it would make you feel better, I would be so grateful if you could look after Prickles the Cactus next time I'm on vacation. She does get so sad and parched when I leave."