How Much Was It?

To tell or Not to Tell

Robert and I were out in the golf cart one afternoon and there on the side of the street in front of someone’s house was a rounded top 6’ tall white wicker rattan etagère with its five shelves off and stacked beside it. It wasn’t new and it could use a touch up with white paint, but geez oh man —-that’s the perfect something I’ve been looking for to put plants on for my porch.

Just by luck, I could see the couple through the screen in their lanai where they were sitting and enjoying a cold drink.

“Excuse me! How much is the etagere?”

“It needs some work and some paint, but if you want it, it’s yours. No charge.”

“Outstanding! Thank you! Thank you very much.”

Robert and I stacked the shelves on the floor of the golf cart, turned the etagere on its side and I held it for the three block ride back down the street to our house.

We worked on the etagere in our driveway and now it looks almost new. I still can’t believe how fortunate we were. The whole thing gave me food for thought though. That could have been uncomfortable.

How do you respond when someone asks, "How much was that? What did that cost?"  I don’t know why, but it rubs me the wrong way. It also depends on who asked the question.

If a casual acquaintance asked how much something cost, I have been known to give a cost-less vague answer. “You know, it’s been so long, I don’t really remember.”

If it’s a total stranger who asks, it would depend on what the item is. When Robert and I first moved to Florida, one of our neighbors saw us in our driveway and came over.

“That house has been on the market for a long time. How much did you pay for it?” We both felt it was a cheeky question and we ignored it.

Instead, we introduced ourselves, “Hi, we’re Robert and CJ — glad to meet you (reaching out to shake hands). Do you live here year-round, or are you snowbirds?” I think the neighbor got the point. He never asked again.

If it’s something small and insignificant, something they would like to buy, I would probably tell them what it cost.

“Hey, I’ve been looking for a garden hose just like that. Was it expensive?”

“No, not at all. I’m pretty sure Home Depot has them on sale this week for $19.99.”

Now, if a close friend asked how much something cost, I would tell them. A close friend knows me. They’re aware I don’t have a lot of disposable income. They also know it’s something I probably saved for until I could finally buy it.

A close friend would also know I researched to find the best deal —heck, they probably helped me do the research, maybe even went with me to buy it!

A close friend would also share in my happiness ...

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