TOTALLY GEEKED!

DEAR HARRIETTE: One thing I value more than most things is being a man of my word. When someone veers from his word, he veers away from trust. A while ago, a close friend of mine came to me seeking some financial assistance; it wasn't a large amount, and I had no issue lending it. We agreed that he would pay me back in two weeks, but now it's going on almost two months. I hinted to him once that I was looking forward to the day he pays me back, and he jokingly said he would take care of it soon. Two weeks has become two months and soon will transcend into never. Not that I am a detective or anything, but I recently saw that he went on a vacation to New Orleans for Mardi Gras festivities. How should I go about getting repaid? -- Waiting, Charlotte, North Carolina

DEAR WAITING: I learned a couple of things on this point years ago. First, only offer what you are willing and can afford to give away. In this way, it presents no hardship if you end up not getting it back. Taking this idea a step further, it was also strongly recommended to me not to lend money. It is cleaner to give it and be done. Then you aren't waiting in anticipation of a repayment.

This is not what you did. While you have every right to be reimbursed for your loan, you can see that it may not happen. Before giving up, though, you can be more direct. Contact your friend and ask for the money now. Note that you saw that he went on vacation, which suggests that he has money. Your last-ditch effort can be to guilt him into honoring his commitment to you. Ask him if he really wants to damage your friendship by shirking his responsibilities.

http://www.uexpress.com/sense-and-sensitivity/2015/3/17/co-workers-forgetfulness-worrying-reader