Tenant wants to fix lunch

Was doing a few things around the fourplex today while replacement windows were installed which required me being there far longer than I anticipated. I have a lady from the Dominican Republic who lives on the top floor who seems to notice whenever I'm there. This tenant is what many folks would consider a "looker". She only speaks Spanish and our communication is strictly via Google translate and is generally related to rental issues. She sends me a text this afternoon that I didn't notice until a couple of hours later. As translated, I saw it said something about lunch, which was confusing to me and I thought I misunderstood, so I asked her to repeat. It turns out that she wanted to bring me lunch, which I declined.

I have absolutely no idea what brought this on. When she first moved in, there was a screw up on the electric company's part I getting her lights on. I have a landlord plan for electric and the paperwork was sent in and they messed up and shut her lights off. I had a vacant apartment at the time and let her use the refrigerator so her stuff wouldn't spoil. It was only for a couple of days, so maybe she's appreciative of that?

All I know is that I definitely don't want to be alone with this woman. I have to access her apartment in the next few days to address a couple of items. I don't want to do the stuff while she's there unless I have someone with me. I don't know what this is about --172.56.xx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 6:23 PM
Message:

It sounds like maybe you are concerned she is "interested" in you personally, which you don't want. I can understand you wanting someone with you.

However, is it possible she was just trying to be friendly by offering food to someone who was working a long time on her home - and she was appreciative? Maybe it's a cultural thing?

Perhaps it can be solved by a conversation where you ask why she offered and give a clear explanation of how business and personal things need to be separated - while your third party is with you. --68.10.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by razorback_tim [AR]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 6:29 PM
Message:

Proceed with caution.

It could be a cultural thing.

She could also be making advances.

It sounds like it might be hard to differentiate between the two given the communication barrier. --70.178.x.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 6:32 PM
Message:

I'd say it was cultural and she was being nice; HOWEVER, since you feel uncomfortable, keep your distance and someone with you ...then there won't be any sense of impropriety if she is testing the waters.

That said, you insult a lot of foreigners by refusing food. I always say I can't eat it now but if they give me a plate for later, I'll be ever so grateful. Depends on the tenant - sometimes I scarf it down because I know I'll love it ... other times due to the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of the tenant, it goes into my trash can before I even come in the house. --72.70.xxx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 6:36 PM
Message:

There are still good hearted people in the world. I refuse to give up the right to receive! Lunch? Tell her wrap it up. Don't eat it if you don't want but receive it. --99.203.xx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 7:03 PM
Message:

It could definitely be a cultural thing. People from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are similar to other folks from the Caribbean in their family orientation, hospitality and etc. I told her I had already eaten (the truth) and thanks.

My cynicism comes from being an American I suppose. There are too many men who get entrapped in some nonsense which makes me wary. What also has my antennae up is the fact that she seems to notice when I'm there without fail. It could be nothing or it could be something and rather than figure all of that out, I'm keeping a distance. My daughter and grandson are fairly fluent in Spanish, so I'll be taking one of them with me when I go to her place. --207.172.xx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by JB [OR]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 7:15 PM
Message:

Tell her you would be much more comfortable exchanging risqué photos for a while before you get too serious...you just want to take things slowly! --50.45.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 7:30 PM
Message:

Maybe you're leading her on. Google Translate is not that accurate. Maybe Google is whispering sweet nothings into her ear and you're none the wiser, thinking you're chatting about repairs.

Just tell her you can't stay long because you have to meet up with your boyfriend later.

--108.69.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 8:10 PM
Message:

". Maybe Google is whispering sweet nothings into her ear and you're none the wiser, thinking you're chatting about repairs."

ROFL!! Actually, Google Translate is pretty good and I had no problems understanding until today. That's mainly because the conversations were pretty basic revolving around normal tenant stuff. When I got the text today about "comida" (food), I was completely dumbfounded as that word is not one that would normally come up. My response was "No entiendo" (I don't understand). And after a bit of back and forth, it turns out that she had fixed lunch and wanted to bring me some. (I was working in the apartment on the first floor; she's on the top floor in the building). It could be totally innocent but there's no reason for her to be fixing me food. --207.172.xx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: May 21, 2018 9:48 PM
Message:

GKARL,

Cultural. Latinos are VERY friendly and sharing. She's being nice. It would be an offense to turn down such an offer.

I suggest you ask for a TO GO plate so you can take it home to share with your wife.

BRAD

--68.50.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 2:42 AM
Message:

Here is "food" for thought.

I once read that when a person owes money, the first person they DONT pay is the one they feel most comfortable with.

--65.94.xxx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Luba [NY]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 4:06 AM
Message:

I am always asking contractors if they want some water, coffee or tea when they working at my place. I want them to be able to concentrate more on work and less on food, take time to provide a better quality.

--69.120.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 4:48 AM
Message:

Some tenants notice everything and everyone in a building while others are oblivious. I have 2 tenants that that always offer me something and I politely decline. One was cultural and invited me for tea. I felt bad declining as she was home alone all day while her husband worked but I prefer to keep it on a friendly business level. The other man is just sweet and when he was having a few friends for a BBQ while I was working offered me a hot dog. Again I declined politely. I always offer people working at my house coffee or water. Most decline. I have been known to leave cold water and cookies out for the roofing crew and often run out with a treat for my plow guy who will be up plowing half the night. Some of us enjoy sharing our cooking with no other intentions but to acknowledge other’s hard work or make someone’s day a little happier. --24.61.xxx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 5:26 AM
Message:

Some people are very aware of what happens around them (some are clueless). It can be good to have someone keeping an eye on the place.

I usually offer water, coffee to workers. I will even run to the sub shop. Having a some food and chatting while they eat lunch gives me a chance to know better what they are like should I chose to call them again. My friend had a whole house remodel before she moved in, every day she had a crock pot, coffee pot and pastries for the crews. So I don't think it is unusual. However, if you don't feel comfortable, just decline. Which others and I have done plenty as well.

Bringing someone who can translate is a good excuse to bring someone. The chatting that can then happen might give your more insight into this person (good or bad) --108.44.xx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 5:43 AM
Message:

Make sure she signs the prenup... --76.188.xxx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Blue [IL]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 7:39 AM
Message:

Very cultural. I'm of Italian decent and we must offer food to pretty much anyone or our grandparents will rise out of the grave and haunt us.

I always offer coffee soda or water to whomever is working, even the street dept crew. --99.203.xx.x

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 12:44 PM
Message:

Heck, if she's a good cook and as attractive as you say, you may find this romance idea agreeable. --108.69.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 1:05 PM
Message:

GKARL,I think Nicole hit it on the head and Blue too.Where I come from in Northern Ireland,we lived about Four miles northwest of our town or village,I knew everyone who lived in every house between our house and the town.If I stopped into any house for any reason,and didn't sit down and have something to eat,they'd be highly insulted.Same in your situation and maybe she does fancy you? So watch it Buddy?..................charlie..................koochie koochie. Koo.........

...........

......................... --174.199.x.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 1:24 PM
Message:

When I first immigrated,A partner and I built Pre-built garages all over the State,on one job the people wanted to throw us off,or maybe lock us up,because the salesman had promised them something ridiculous.I with the best Irish accent I could come up with,smoothed things over.The people insisted we have lunch and eat with them.We would have never dared refuse.No way..................charlie............................... --174.199.x.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 3:32 PM
Message:

The tenants in my new building are all Dominican, so it will be interesting to test the culture theory. I'll be overseeing work there frequently over the next few weeks so I see if one of them offers food. The people I bought the place from are also Dominican and come to think of it, they were extremely nice people and very accommodating. One of the things I noticed immediately is they're a tight group with a strong family orientation. I find that to be the case with many immigrants. --172.56.xx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by 1Gr81 [NC]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 3:47 PM
Message:

Go for it! Eat. Be grateful. I have a Puerto Rican friend/neighbor, who attempts to feed me every time he catches me outside. Sure..do I often have to force myself to eat a dinner at 4:30 in the afternoon....yup, but man I love that guy! (and his wife).

Now...If you make it a....personal.... habit....that's on you.

Enjoy life and the company of gracious people. :) --74.124.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 5:35 PM
Message:

Sometimes lunch is just lunch. I am a nice friendly person myself and over the years, forgot occasionally, that men think a smile is an invitation to sex sometimes, especially creepy men. I suggest you take someone with you when you address the issues in her unit. That will prevent any misunderstandings on your part or hers. Actually being a good looking woman can do harm. I remember a conversation I overheard about me. Both men were employees at the same place I worked. Both were managers. Man 1 says why don't you hire Ally for that job opening? Man 2 says "My wife would go crazy if I hired THAT." Just because your tenant is attractive and friendly doesn't mean she is loose. --73.178.xxx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 10:00 PM
Message:

GKARL,your observations are well placed Us immigrants are a close knit bunch,but you have no idea..................charlie.................................................

--174.199.x.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by cjo'h [CT]) Posted on: May 22, 2018 10:05 PM
Message:

Luba,remember,you're one of us..................charlie.................................. --174.199.x.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: May 23, 2018 5:56 AM
Message:

... One of the things I noticed immediately is they're a tight group with a strong family orientation. I find that to be the case with many immigrants. --...

very much so. that is one of the reasons I am amazed/perplexed/horrified sometimes at the responses I read on here regarding family.

--72.70.xxx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: May 24, 2018 8:03 PM
Message:

it is definitely a cultural thing. I worked in all boros of NYC for 25 years building community gardens and parks and spanish mothers would offer us lunch once in while. It has also happened w/ tenants. Esp if they see you working late at their place on a weekend when you should be hoe for dinner. --24.194.xx.xx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by Laura [MD]) Posted on: May 28, 2018 2:16 PM
Message:

However you decide to handle lunch...I would mention my lovely wife in every sentence with her going forward. --108.51.xxx.xxx

Tenant wants to fix lunch (by JB [OR]) Posted on: May 28, 2018 2:24 PM
Message:

Laura, that response is best saved for those actually happy in their marriage.

... Like me. --50.45.xxx.xxx

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Tenant wants to fix lunch

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