No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

it's easier with strangers as long as they're the type you'll never see again.

I don't find this to be true, It seems a crap shoot that averages out 50/50

Examples, OP? That we may gloat, but in a supportive way?

I agree. After you do a favor, people can be demanding & complaining. People mostly look out for their own interests and view you as an ATM or giver of favors.

[quote] After you do a favor, people can be demanding & complaining.

I totally agree. In my life it has always been financially comfortable, generally healthy retirees in the neighborhood. The moment I've extended a helping hand they immediately start rudely bombarding me with daily demands. They can all very well afford to pay someone to do what they are demanding of me. I've learned to keep them at arm's length barring a national or weather emergency.

There's good reason their children don't speak to them...

Beware of propositions that begin with "Do me a favor."

I had a very bad relationship with the new neighbors, I even helped them out when they had trouble, then it blew up big time, new people moved in and I haven't introduced myself and will not, burned once too often, never again.