Am I worrying needlessly?

December 22, 2015 7:15 PM

I go to physiotherapy every week for a minor but slow to heal injury, followed by massage therapy.

The staff at this clinic have treated me wonderfully in the past 2 years, especially when my partner was diagnosed with cancer, and then on her passing. They have refused to charge me for cancelled appointments and are just great people.

Last year was my first Christmas with them. I gave my physiotherapist and my massage therapist a fairly generous cash tip (presented in Christmas cards) The other physiotherapist was new and I had only seen her a few times as a fill in, and there was a new receptionist, who had just started to cover a mat leave. I gave them gift cards, again in Christmas cards, in a smaller amount for a local coffee shop.

My physiotherapist and massage therapist thanked me profusely...but the other two never mentioned the card or gift.

Now the regular receptionist is back, they have a great new therapist who I have seen a number of times and I am anxious about what to do. I have homemade cookies for everyone to share and just decided to give everyone an equal but smaller amount of cash.

I just want to do the right thing, I guess I am just asking for reassurance that I'm not overthinking and that this will be okay!

And Happy Solstice/Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

posted by antiquated to Human Relations (7 answers total)

Seems pretty rude not to thank you. I wouldn't get those people anything next time. Be discrete about it, though.
posted by blackzinfandel at 7:24 PM on December 22, 2015

I meant this time, not next time.
posted by blackzinfandel at 7:25 PM on December 22, 2015

Response by poster: Just to clarify, the non thankers are gone.
posted by antiquated at 7:46 PM on December 22, 2015

You are worrying needlessly! Any gift is above and beyond.
posted by Kalmya at 8:43 PM on December 22, 2015 [3 favorites]

I agree. Any gift is appreciated. I think the cash is really above and beyond, but I know I would be thrilled if I received any amount of cash from someone.
posted by hazel79 at 8:46 PM on December 22, 2015

Best answer: And people know that circumstances can change from year to year---
So don't worry- any gift is fine and should be appreciated as a kind gesture for the season!
posted by calgirl at 9:03 PM on December 22, 2015

Agreed that any gift is a kindness, and any comment (or lack thereof) to the contrary is coming from a more negative place.
posted by samthemander at 12:00 AM on December 23, 2015