Would you lend money to a friend? (A true friend? Yes)

Why should lending money be open to everyone else apart from one’s friends? Whatever is likely to happen with a friend can happen with anybody else, money knows no one. Plus, it’s just that – money! I don’t understand why someone can lend everyone else money and not their own friends.

Friday, June 20, 2014
Patrick Buchana

Why should lending money be open to everyone else apart from one’s friends? Whatever is likely to happen with a friend can happen with anybody else, money knows no one. Plus, it’s just that – money! I don’t understand why someone can lend everyone else money and not their own friends. 

Some things are priceless; a friend is always there for you, through the stuff that matters the most, they hold your hand when you go to tell your dad you failed an exam. Or defend you when some rowdy individual on a night out threatens to redesign your jaw. Or take over when you run out of strength because you can’t bear to see your sister on that hospital bed.

With them, it is never about money – the true ones at least. So if they find themselves in a fix and need to borrow a few francs, why not? In fact, I would be deeply offended if a friend tried to borrow from everyone else but me. 

Of course you have to see the ones truly deserving of it. So many people are called friends but they are so far from the word’s definition. If you consider certain factors when lending money to someone, do the same with a friend.  If they have paid back a debt on time or at least tried their best, then go ahead and lend them. Besides, sometimes friends can easily succumb to pressure because they too would feel uncomfortable around you. 

There is also something called a cheque. If your friend gets a salary, use it to your advantage. 

Tell me you wouldn’t lend money to a friend who has a sick wife, child or mother? I think it shouldn’t be a question of if you can lend to a friend but rather how to lend money to a friend and get it back in time.

If you decide to lend money to your friend, take time to sit down and decide on a repayment plan that works for both of you. If you’re clear about your expectations from the start, then things will hopefully go smoothly. 

 I am not saying I am open to lending all my friends money - so please - don’t come asking for loans.