Charging my sister for steak felt wrong but saved me later

Most butchers I know give family free meat, but I think that's a mistake. My sister wanted a free strip loin for her cookout last month, and I told her no. She was upset at first, but it stopped her from asking for more expensive cuts later. Even coworkers at the shop say I'm too harsh, but it sets a clear line. If you start giving stuff away, everyone expects it, from neighbors to distant cousins. This job is about earning a living, not handing out favors. So now, I stick to my prices, and it keeps things simple.

4 comments

4 Comments

karenb973mo ago

You ever feel like the family cheapskate? I'm so bad at discounts my own mom started bringing coupons.

jamesf293mo ago

Honestly, my buddy used to ask for free computer help every weekend. Started charging him for parts, and suddenly the requests became actual emergencies. @karenb97 bringing up coupons kinda proves that clear rules stop the awkward asks.

graceowens3mo ago

Setting clear rules really does change how people act. It's like how @karenb97's mom with the coupons now, makes everyone stop and think first.

the_hayden2mo ago

Feel the same way about my own family. They stopped asking me to fix their phones after I "accidentally" factory reset my cousin's twice. Guess my incompetence became the clearest rule of all.