Our neighbour has looked after our 3 cats a few times when we‘ve gone on holiday. We‘ve always bought back a small gift (always edible, no one needs more trinkets) as a thank you. I know this neighbour quite well, we used to work together so I know she likes the items we give, she doesn’t have allergies etc.
This summer we looked after their cat and watered their garden for 10 days, for the first time (a different neighbour normally does this but they were on holiday at the same time). I was glad to do it to repay their kindness.
They sent a text to say thank you, and that I could give the key to their relative who would do the last two days of their holiday.
I haven’t seen them since they’ve been back, it’s been a week or so. So I presume they didn’t bring a gift. THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE! I don’t expect a gift at all. I‘m not remotely upset about this.
But I always gave them one. So if they look after our cats again, should I not bring them a gift? Is this their way of telling me they don’t want to do gifts?