Friendship - can one put a price to it ?

                                   


             Recently I was asked to help out a friend in need, this means lending money. My first rule of thumb is that I have lent money to friends who told me the blunt truth that they were in debt and would take some time to repay it. The first friend left the country shortly after I loaned the money and is now in China. I doubt, I will see the likes of her again. The second friend was a long time friend who is based in HK and again he made no big promises of when he would pay the loan back. The amounts are not large, but both in the 4 figure region respectively. But I will remember them, because a loan is a commercial transaction, and business and friendship should never mix. That is my golden rule. 

            The point of it all is this. If you are indeed a friend, a good pal, someone whom you have shared good times and bad, why not help out, if you can afford it ?  The thing is, money is a great divider and many a times, the love of money is the root of all evil. There is this friend who got caught in a financial transaction gone bad, and started calling all his acquaintences including me  for small loans, each party he called he twisted the story a little bit to give the version which suited him best. All our mutual friends avoided him, and there is one friend, who has known him for 20 years and refused to lend him even the meagre sum he needed, saying that the idea of his friend repaying him was remote. I am appalled that people you may know for a length of time,maybe in years only want to know you when you have money.  Who will be with you when you are old and poor ?  Your true friends ? Your children ?  

         Friendships are most true when you are genuine and enjoy the company. 

         Buying friends presents, drinks and meals are fine. Even if it runs into the 4 figures for some, but when the issue becomes a money lending situation, friends start questioning the motives and even the foundations of the friendship. Chose who you want as friends wisely.

        What happens when you yourself are then caught in a bind ?   Who will then help you if you need some cash to tide over till the next payment comes in ?  Save for a rainy day and pray that that day never comes. 

        You reap what you sow.