Rusty, let it go man. Be proud of who you are and know that it's another brick in your house in heaven.

Oh, I think there are more then a few more like us out there. You are correct about liking someone but then there are a lot of jerks out there like my neighbor down the street who demands service and don't have a clue how to talk to people. There is something not right about those guys. Maybe its their, what I call, job disease. People in the entertainment industry like to demand or yell a lot to get their way. 75% of them are that way when I worked for many of them in that industry. Some will change once you get to know them and many of them do not want to get to know anyone unless there's benefit for them. That's Hollywood for ya.

I have to say, Unclebilly here is an upstanding guy. When I was in Calgary with a fuel line leak, I reached out to him for a local wrench. He offer me his garage, access to his tools while he was out skiing in British Columbia and gave me the phone number to his wife should I decided to stop by to fix the truck. Now, it doesn't get better or nicer then that. I must pay this one forward when I have a chance.

This just got me thinking. Is this an age thing? I don't ever remember being this way when I was younger between my 20-mid 30s. Once I was established, something changed. I don't see too many younger folks that are so willing to help. The old guy up the street is the only one willing to help whenever we asked and always did it for free. Small engine carbs kicks my ass so my wife decided to ask Dana and he has it fixed before dinner. No one else on our block would we ever ask for any help with anything. I fixed a lot of my neighbor's stuff free of charge.

That's my dad for ya. He can make you an amazing piece of jewelry with a hammer and a few files but to unclog a sink, or replace a light switch or even paint the house. He ain't doing it and he is sloppy at that. When I was in the 10th grade, we painted the interior of the house. Amazingly my younger sister helped. Dad would do all the large walls with the roller, I did all the taping and painting of the windows. Mom helped when what she can. He will not tape and just smear paint on the sash. I decided he wasn't cut out for that stuff.

I have a Volvo factory scan tool, it's beyond what most people want to buy and learn. I often volunteer to help people by scanning/resetting their car.

Provided they a) accommodate my schedule and b) show up on time, I do not charge them. I find people often offer me some cash, but I never take it. By helping them for free I have zero obligation to do it a second time.

Lots of 'helpless' non-technical people out there, provided they aren't entitled dicks, I'm happy to help them.

But, if I did expect payment, it would be very clear. Bring cash, don't leave without paying, $X per hour.

As the OP, Thanks for all the input..............The Sheet Head even sent the $50 paypal for goods and services so I got dinged a $1.50 paypal fee..........I giggled.

Great advice from your replies.

I do a ton of free stuff

I do a lot of free stuff too but way more for the people who offer to help me out on something I could use help on. I appreciate and respect those guys and it definitely works to their benefit

That looks like (at least) a hundred dollar professional job in my eyes.
But nothing was agreed upon beforehand and he finally did give something for your time. Enough to get a pizza or fill up the tank.

You offered your help to a stranger.
That's good karma.

Chalk it up to practice and move on.
The hard feelings will hurt worse than the time spent.
It hurts worse when close friends shirk all the good things you have done for them and don't reciprocate in a pinch. When you both know they could. But they chose not to.

I used to refuse tips or offerings when I never mentioned any fee. And I was serious about doing whatever it was for no pay. I don't refuse anything now. They bring out the cash, I take it and say thank you. Most people offer something. A beer would do it, but mostly it's a 20 or 50. Once in awhile, a hunny.

Here as well...I hope all those on the receiving end appreciate it. I know I did...:)

Yep, always take what they offer in thanks. If you refuse it can make them feel bad or indebted

Unless you agreed to a price beforehand or he mentioned paying for services in the ad, I would expect absolutely nothing.

Did you offer to help with an expectation to get paid or to just lend a hand to someone who needed help. So now he's the sheethead because your expectations weren't met.

I volunteer months of time in a year to help others, thats no exaggeration. I have zero expectation of being reimbursed for my time and im not. In fact, being able to volunteer as much as I do, has been one of the best things about being retired.

But, again if you guys agreed to something and he reneged, different story....

I never ask for money for my services.

It's illegal to do that in Michigan.

It is illegal everywhere for me. Apparently doing stuff for free or not charging first responders violates some fraud laws or something

if you didnt agree on a price before hand, thats on you.

i do a ton of free work on my artist friends cars and houses. least i can do for them because they are so tragically underpaid and i am in stem so massively over paid.

It's pre-social media and real connections vs post social media and imaginary friends...

You have to be kidding?!

Penalize those that can make a difference.

I think the key modifier is "stranger" so I agree. Let it go.

In my rural area we share equipment, loan equipment and help those who need it but there is an understanding of sharing with responsibility.

Perfect example: I have a dump trailer that I loan to at least 5 folks. It is perfect for mulch, 3 tons of gravel, etc. and I use it maybe five times a YEAR. I bought it used over 20 years ago and it still hums.

My buddy asked to borrow it for a week, all local runs and he is great with equipment. There was an issue with the wiring I was unaware of and he fixed it without hesitation on his dime, maybe $40 dollars and his time. Try and rent a dump trailer for a week for $40 scooters.

It is a circle of trust.

I also have a really nice log splitter, Honda motor, lots of tonnage. A few years ago a new guy moved in and asked, after he got to know the folks here, if he could borrow the splitter.

I said sure, but my splitter policy is one log for me for every 10 split logs you keep. Just set them aside I'll come get them.

He took umbrage at my policy...for about an hour after he tried to buy one or rent one. I got my split logs.

So many stories.

I do it for free.

But now I'm older and better at saying no, I only do free labour and knowledge for friends who shout diner and drinks.

Hmmm, that's interesting. First responder in California for over 30 years, never heard that before. Would love to see where it says that on the books...somebody helping you with something is not necessarily the same as accepting a gratuity.