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When to accept vague offers of help?

(28 Posts)
Cabbie21 Wed 18-Jan-23 10:57:07

With DH in hospital, I have a few vague offers of help on the table.
If it is an emergency, I know my family will drop everything.

It’s other people I know less well who say, Let us know if there is anything we can do.
I am sure they would oblige if I was desperate, but you never know if someone really means it or not. Eg my neighbours, a busy couple with teenage family, but we don’t really speak beyond hello, or church friends who are well meaning but getting elderly….
Do you take up offers, or are they just being polite? How do you know if they are genuine?
( I will not be watching this thread for awhile as I am off to the hospital, but thanks in advance. )

harrigran Thu 19-Jan-23 09:04:00

My neighbour of 51 years puts my wheelie bin out every week and brings it back in. She is a kind lady that realised I struggled to pull the full bin up the bank.
My friend used to bring me home cooked meals which were most acceptable and I was very grateful, when you are a full time carer you don't always have the time to prepare food.

glammanana Thu 19-Jan-23 09:15:07

Fish&Chips I am afraid I would be busy next time they are looking for a dog-sitter fair weather friend comes to mind here take care