So I have this "friend" Ive known for a few years now who I have come to realize is really kind of a leech.
First, let me preface this by saying that at age of 43, I have come to realize that the word "borrow" essentially means "can I take what is yours for an undetermined period of time, to return, or not return at a time of my choosing, and if I return said item, it will be in worse condition than when it left your house".
For as long as I have known him, whenever he has found out that I have something that may interest him, or be of use to him he asks to borrow it. At first I thought he was fairly responsible, so loaned him one item. After a few months I needed that item back, but always was met with excuses as to why it isnt being returned. Finally, after almost a year it was returned to me, but was essentially ruined. Since than he has asked to borrow multiple items, even a very expensive ($500.00) digital recorder. Each time I say no, thinking that he would get the message.
The kicker is that everything he has borrowed are all things that he has repeated use for and has justification in buying. He also has the means to but these.
This week was the kicker, and is also what tells me he is not playing with a full deck. He asked to borrow my nikon D90 camera with ALL of the lenses (all told almost $3000.00 in camera gear)...This was really the last straw for me. I basically told him that Im not in the habit of lending things as Ive been burned too many times in the past by things not getting returned or getting returned damaged, which results in me being out $$$$ by having to replace them, and Im certainly not in the habit of lending out several thousands of dollars worth of stuff, especially to a person who has already proven that they do not respect other peoples stuff when they borrow it...
In short, I was met with surprise, and was basically told that Im greedy and selfish....
I mean, seriously..first off i think it takes a little nerve to keep asking to borrow things from someone, espeically if they are items that one has a reason to own themselves. Secondly, who the hell asks to borrow someones $3000.00 camera kit??
First, let me preface this by saying that at age of 43, I have come to realize that the word "borrow" essentially means "can I take what is yours for an undetermined period of time, to return, or not return at a time of my choosing, and if I return said item, it will be in worse condition than when it left your house".
For as long as I have known him, whenever he has found out that I have something that may interest him, or be of use to him he asks to borrow it. At first I thought he was fairly responsible, so loaned him one item. After a few months I needed that item back, but always was met with excuses as to why it isnt being returned. Finally, after almost a year it was returned to me, but was essentially ruined. Since than he has asked to borrow multiple items, even a very expensive ($500.00) digital recorder. Each time I say no, thinking that he would get the message.
The kicker is that everything he has borrowed are all things that he has repeated use for and has justification in buying. He also has the means to but these.
This week was the kicker, and is also what tells me he is not playing with a full deck. He asked to borrow my nikon D90 camera with ALL of the lenses (all told almost $3000.00 in camera gear)...This was really the last straw for me. I basically told him that Im not in the habit of lending things as Ive been burned too many times in the past by things not getting returned or getting returned damaged, which results in me being out $$$$ by having to replace them, and Im certainly not in the habit of lending out several thousands of dollars worth of stuff, especially to a person who has already proven that they do not respect other peoples stuff when they borrow it...
In short, I was met with surprise, and was basically told that Im greedy and selfish....
I mean, seriously..first off i think it takes a little nerve to keep asking to borrow things from someone, espeically if they are items that one has a reason to own themselves. Secondly, who the hell asks to borrow someones $3000.00 camera kit??
