JennySpins
Oct 2, 2008, 05:52 PM
I am a minor living with my parents and we have a close family friend who we will call Jim, he is around 47, similar in age to my parents and originally my Mother's friend. We (Jim and I) are fairly close and go out to lunch occasionally in the summer. Recently Jim gave me two necklaces, they are inexpensive, around $10 each I would guess. But I am uncomfortable accepting these or any gifts from Jim and I don't know how to tell him without making it seem that I don't wish to be friends. How can I do this? Please help.
jaime90
Oct 2, 2008, 10:14 PM
Even being a "close" or "good" friend with a 47 year old at your age is a recipie for disaster, and to be honest, a little creepy. Treat Jim like your parent's friend, and just someone that you hang out with. Don't put yourself in a situation where he will be tempted to hurt you in anyway, and don't encourage him into thinking that you have a "relationship." Ask him what his motives were behind the necklaces, is he trying to charm you, or just be nice? What you say to him will depend on his answer to that. Overall, don't throw away your friendship, just be careful. Make sure his mind isn't in a place beyond just being friends.