I honestly don’t know what to say

I went to look at a hydraulic press that was for sale near me.
It was not what I’m looking for. The seller is a young guy that I’ve known for years.
A few years back I hired him to help finish a big house I was building.
He was a hard worker.
He wanted to know what kind of press I wanted so I explained.
This morning I got a text from him saying that he ordered me a new press and that it would be here on the 18th
I told him that I would pay for it but he refused.
He said that I was good to him and got him work when he needed it.
I don’t know how to feel about this.

Thad... maybe he needs a job.. or a GOOD Reference !

Codger wrote: I have a 1962 B-673 Mack tandem tractor. This was given to me by a gent I'd never met, nor seen up to that time. I was working in my shop and he stopped by asking for the guy that liked Mack trucks, (I have several).  When this all shakes out I had changed a flat tire on his daughter's mini van in the hot summer sun with a load of her kids, (three) and no working air conditioner from a recent deer hit not yet repaired. If you know the early 2000's Chrysler mini vans, the spare tire is under the vehicle and you drop it to the ground via a winch setup in the passenger compartment; (clusterf*ck at best). Seeing this plight as I was passing in my truck, I stopped and after ascertaining what was going on, put her and the kids in my truck with the a/c on and I changed the tire. Not taking a nickel for the effort and sending her on the way, I thought nothing further of it; till this gent, (her father) showed up at the shop. Sometimes paying it forward has it's benefits and there are still good people out there. Not everybody is on the "take" constantly. You done good and are being recognized/rewarded. Reciprocate, and spread the good to others I would suggest. The B-673:

Good on you and the Mack is awesome.

paying it forward comes full circle most times, I believe you both made good choices

God promises us that the good which we do in His name will be repaid many times over. We may not always realize we are doing it for Him or the ways in which He repays us but the older and hopefully wiser I get the more I see this truth. You helped this young man at possibly a low point in his life and he appreciates it. And a hand up is better than a hand out.

Not sure the value of the press and do not know this young man . Sounds as though he is trying to repay you for helping him out earlier in life. I am always suspicious of free things. My grandfather used to beat into my head that nothing is free . Had a gentleman give me a bunch of pvc pipe and fittings. His neighbor was a plumber who had passed and the plumbers wife gave this guy all of his stock. He soon found out this stuff took up too much room and knew I was a plumber so he called and said that I should take everything. I asked if he or the widow wanted any money. He said take it and don't worry about it. Have worked for him since then and he now thinks that I should work for free for him and the widow. Not to say that is the case here but I always look a gift horse in the mouth. Glad to hear there are good people still out there.

Pat the Plumber CIL wrote: Not sure the value of the press and do not know this young man . Sounds as though he is trying to repay you for helping him out earlier in life. I am always suspicious of free things. My grandfather used to beat into my head that nothing is free . Had a gentleman give me a bunch of pvc pipe and fittings. His neighbor was a plumber who had passed and the plumbers wife gave this guy all of his stock. He soon found out this stuff took up too much room and knew I was a plumber so he called and said that I should take everything. I asked if he or the widow wanted any money. He said take it and don't worry about it. Have worked for him since then and he now thinks that I should work for free for him and the widow. Not to say that is the case here but I always look a gift horse in the mouth. Glad to hear there are good people still out there.

I’m also a believer that nothing is free.
I don’t want anything for free.
I also don’t want to discourage this young man’s kindness by refusing the deal.
I’m very mixed on this deal.

My take: yes this is unusual and feels awkward, mostly because of the self reliant nature of yourself and the times we live in.

Ask yourself this. Would you/ have you ever given something to someone and why? And how would you feel if they absolutely refused?

Obviously your past actions with this guy have moved him to want to give you something. When the time comes for real, look him in the eye and say it’s really not necessary to give this to me. When he shakes your hand and says You helped me out when I needed and I want to give this as a way to show my appreciation. You say, well then, thank you! I was glad to help you when I did. If you ever need anything you know who to call! Thank you my friend.

This kind of thing is tough for guys, especially between guys.

You’re a good man!

Yes for sure Joe. I’d love to hang out with both of you!

File a lean on the property.