Money and friendship: Oil and water
I came across a proverb about money and friendship, and it goes this way, “Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most.” Of course, there are similar proverbs which mean that do not borrow or lend money to a friend because you might lose that friend just for money. I recalled several experiences where a friend borrowed money and never paid the amount and although the friendship is still there, I think the trust isn’t and eventually, the friendship will die without trust.
Friends play an important part in our life and sometimes they play the role of our second family. They are our support system. It is important though to separate money issues from friendship and I did just that. I am, “neither a borrower nor a lender.” If I need money, I prefer to work overtime rather than borrow from friends. It is because I would not like my friends to think ill of me and I had a couple of rich friends. It is, of course, different from one person to another and it also depends on the culture. Some mix money and friendship, and it is okay as long as they still know how to pay a loan.
Money and friendship is like oil and water, they don't mix well. However, there is always an exemption.
Is it okay to mix money and friendship?