Money Moral Dilemma: Should I ask my dad's wife to pay me for my houseplant?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

Five months ago, I asked my dad's green-fingered wife if she could use her skills to nurse an orchid back to health for me. It's now looking healthy and pretty - but on their windowsill. Should I ask her to pay me for it if she wants to keep it, or should I just let her have it as she saved it?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.

suelizab

is this a moral dilemma

suelizab

give it to her, take it home or even throw it in the bin

Wraithlady

Do you want it back? Then ask her for some tips and advice for keeping it healthy, and take it back (and maybe a small token of your appreciation?)
If you don't want it back, then ask her if she wants it.

Not exactly a dilemma

MalMonroe

She's your dad's wife. She sounds like a pretty great person to me.

Leave it. That orchid is obviously much better off where it is - let's face it, if it wasn't for her it'd be long dead - and your family relationships remain good with the status quo.

Not being rude but what makes you think that the orchid will continue to survive if you take it back?

Let your dad and stepmother enjoy the plant, you really will be the bigger person. This is one of those times I feel duty bound to quote one of those cringey mottoes - 'don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff'. It's daft but true.

twopenny

So how much will you deduct for the age of the plant?
How much should your mil be allowed for the time and skill she put into getting it healthy again?
There won't be much left from the£7-£12 it cost?
And you have alienated 2close family.
Did you make it clear that you wanted it baxk dead or alive?

2702

NO not a good idea.

DontBringBertie

“Should I ask her to pay me for it?”😂😂

REJP

I'm sorry to say that I do not think this is a real dilemma.
Give her the plant and get yourself another one if you think you can keep it alive.
Have you thought of paying her for her time and expertise in saving your plant if you really want it back?
Did she buy plant reviver food for it that you have not paid for?

bikaga

Maybe next week we're gonna read about someone who's husband's child has given them an orchid to nurse back to life and never asked for it back - should I keep it?

Just ask her. Say "look, I was hoping I could have it back." Or say "it looks great, would you like to keep it?"

Thrugelmir

Somebody gets paid to write this..........................