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Okay, the simple question is: what's the difference between someone doing me a favor and someone doing me a favor that's going to cost me $700?
My brother offered to drive my car from NJ to WA. He made it sound like this would be a grand lark for him, a fun vacation, and a favor to me. I thought it was a great idea once I disabused him of the notion that he'd be taking my dog (I don't like the way he is with his own dog) and my Volvo (which I wouldn't allow him and his buddy to take on a 3,000 mile road trip given their party habits).
He called tonight to say he couldn't do it. Something had "come up." He owed far too much taxes on his inheritance. Mumble mumble. Whatever. According to his twin sister, the real reason is that I didn't offer to cough up a couple of one-way airfares. I didn't know I was expected to. In fact, I had offered to "help out" with the airfares, at least for him.
I see now that my thinking was clouded. I bought the "we'd love to make this drive" crap. I fell hook, line and sinker for the "let us help you out" line.
It'll cost me in the neighborhood of $700 to move the 2000 Taurus via car carrier. It'll cost me upwards of $700 for his and his buddy's airfare. So, I'll make that offer, what the hell. I just wish that he'd said, in the first place - "Gee, BHD, how about I drive out your car and you can fly me back?" Then we wouldn't have all these obtuse excuses and the usual passive/aggressive W. family crap.
Or am I all wrong about this?
8 Comments:
hmmm, $700 for a car carrier, with insurance, and no milage, or...
$700 for plane tickets that you got guilted into buying, with a better than even chance broski will end up crunching something if he parties the way your post implies. hmmmm. i don't know, blue, but i think that would be a no brainer. and it sounds like you really need to move to the other side of the continent if this is the type of interplay that goes on. it's a lot easier to take when you are far enough away to ignore!
The difference between someone doing you a favor, and you having to pay someone to do the same task, is that paying for it makes it a job. The "favor" aspect is removed.
Rent a car carrier. I'm with Nook.
This is a no brainer. Go with the car carrier. AC
Who is paying for the gas? With prices at the pump as high as they are right now, it will cost you a LOT more than just the airfares if you are supposed to pay for gas too. Just something to add to your cost/benefit analysis.
My vote - ditch the car and buy something once you get there. Maybe you'll find you don't need an extra car. Or you might find you have to have a truck. Or maybe you could get by with a Vespa - I've always wanted a one of those!
I'd take advantage of what sounds like a fortunate "something" that he had come up and get the car carrier. Just play it off like it's the logical choice given the timing.
I'm sorry you were put into this awkward position.
Hi, this is anica here and I would like to say that sometimes family can be so ugly. I can't describe another word. but I say this because family is supposed to do more and sometimes they can and sometimes they can't. You get really disappointed and things can get ugly thereon. But you didn't let it get there. you just do what you have to do and then move on. Wonderful
Car. Carrier.
When I moved to Atlanta, I needed to get here via a one way trip and drove somebody else's Porshe using a Driveaway service. I don't know what they charge, or if you want to go that route, but if you're spending the money anyway, it might be easier on you than dragging the car along with you all that way. http://www.amtransco.com/
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