People have their quirks or that ‘thing’ about them. Some don’t like their food touching. Others wash their car, even if it rains. I like my things given back to me, if you borrow them.
I’ve solved this problem – I don’t let anyone borrow anything from me. I strongly dislike (I hate using the word ‘hate’) when someone asks to borrow something (the word ‘borrow’ implies that you will use it temporarily), I lend it to them, and they return it like they ran over it twice on Thursday. My mother would tell me if you let someone borrow something, don’t expect it back. I thought this would change, once I became an adult. Why would I think that?
It all started in elementary school. Someone would ask to borrow a pencil or some paper. I would loan it to them and would never get it back. If I give you 2 sheets of paper, yes, I would want 2 sheets of paper back, within the next day or two. In the end, I was always short 2 pieces of paper.
Like I mentioned before, everyone has their ‘thing’ and this is mine. If you borrow something, give it back. I do not intend for you to have it. If you are going to keep it, then just ask for it. Ask, “Can I have it?” as opposed to, “Can I borrow it?”. I probably wouldn’t give it to you, but at least we’re all being honest.
I also strongly dislike when you return it, it looks like you’ve had it all of your life. I gave it to you last week and it already looks and smells like it’s been through hell and back. If I loan you something that is clean and in working condition, that’s how I want it back. Either that, or buy me the same replacement, if you used it up.
This is the kicker – the person you let borrow it, gets mad when you ask for it back. It was mine to begin with! I spent my money on this for me – not for you to borrow it and decide you want to keep it! And another thing – just because it’s sitting there and I haven’t used it in 4 months, does’t give you rights to it, if you need it. “You’re not using it, anyway – it’s just sitting there, not being used…” Well, maybe that’s how I wanted to use it. I bought it and I can do whatever I want with it. It belongs to me. You can go and buy one and use it the way you want to.
It may sound petty. If it does, don’t ask me to borrow anything, because you will give it back in a timely manner and in perfect condition. It’s the principle, Smokey.