DEAR ABBY: A year ago, a supposed friend of mine asked to borrow some money. Her husband had left the country so he could renew his visa to come back and work. They have kids. The wife’s car was repossessed while he was gone, and she had no way to get to work. She borrowed $3,000 from me to get her car back. A few months later, she borrowed another $1,200. I was a fool to give it to her, but I was thinking of her kids.
Her husband did make it back, and they are both working now. I have texted her about the money she owes me, but she just ignores me. They had enough money to take the kids to Florida recently. How do I get past the sadness? I could really use the money back. Do I just try to let it go? — REGRETFUL LENDER
DEAR LENDER: You should have let it go the moment you handed the money over. When a friend asks for money, it’s rarely a loan. You should always consider it a gift — and be pleasantly surprised if they ever pay you back. Despite her inexcusable behavior, I’m sure this friend appreciates your kindness in saving her family from a distressing situation. It was a good deed, and I’m sorry you’ve been repaid with silence.
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