Why do I feel guilty?

[staceyg 0]

Hi All,
I'm hoping you can help me with something. Last week, totally out of nowhere, my dad offered to buy me a new car. He said he would pay the balance after I traded my current car. Wow! I was shocked and speechless, it was completely unexpected.
I know what they say about the gift horse, but for some reason I'm feeling guilty about accepting the money. I told him he should keep the money for himself and Mom (they're both retired); he insisted they have plenty. I don't even think Mom knows he's doing this (on a couple of phone calls over the weekend, he changed the subject when Mom got near - I could hear her in the background) which makes it even more strange.
I certainly haven't done anything to deserve such a generous gift. I don't really need a new car...yeah it would be sweet to get one; but it's a "want" not a "need".
Am I over-analyzing this?
Advice and opinions welcomed.
Blues,
Stacey

[Evelyn 0]

Don't overthink it. Sounds like your dad just wants to do something nice for you. Accept his gift and thank him for it.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller

[highfly 0]

Get a cheaper one if it makes you feel better. And spend the balance on jumping

www.myspace.com/durtymac

[DeNReN 0]

May I suggest telling him(them) that its not required and to maybe save there generosity untill a time when it would really be really helpful(home purchase)...not only will it help you out more in the future but it will also impress upon them that you are thinking beyond present needs/wants and looking forward(maturity)

[cave_nate 0]

you know your folks better than anyone else. but that said maybe it is something along the lines lets do a nice thing for our daughter. maybe they relize that they have plenty of $$ and it makes sense to give some to you now than years later when they pass on... seen that happen before. what ever its great that they are giving you a car . have fun !

[motoboy 0]

sounds like they are getting a divorce and he wants to be your favorite. j/k I hope. Dads like to do nice things for their daughters unexpectedly. enjoy.

_________________________________________

There's no "I" in team. Yeah, but there's an "I" in Intercourse

[chaoskitty 0]

Ok.. not trying to scare the holy crap out of you, but it sounds exactly like what my grandfather did when he knew he was dying. He tried to take care of all of my debt, and make sure I was taken care of as best he could.
But its entirely possible that your Dad just loves you and wants to help you out. I wouldnt feel guilty. Just be thankful that you have such a nice Dad.

[PrairieDoug 0]

As a father, it makes me feel good to be able to do nice things for my kids. If I made them an offer as generous as your father's, my hope is that they would accept it graciously. Accepting it with reservations and a sense of guilt takes the fun away for the giver.

[lawrocket 3]

Why do you feel guilty? There are several reasons. The first is that you love your parents and you don't want to feel like you are taking advatage of them. The second is that you are an adult, but you are still their little girl, and that can be tough to reconcile at times.

However, you may feel guilty to know that you'll be returning this favor in the future, and it'll be hard for you to do so when you provide love and comfort to them in their final days. I know that I will be doing my best to care for my mother in her final days. It will be emotionally difficult but it's the least I can do for all she's done for me.

My wife is hotter than your wife.