I absolutely agree with you. Years ago I "lent" an ex-employee of mine several thousand dollars, never expecting to see a dime of it again. Much to my surprise about 5 years later she invited me to lunch and repaid the loan in full. She was clearly the exception and not the rule. Unless you are a bank or a loan shark, loans are better off thought of as gifts.
Vic
Originally Posted by Vic Kosslovich
Had a similar situation, a good friend who happened to be a single mom lost her job. It got tough for her and her child. She mentioned she was about to lose her car and that would make it difficult to work. Never, ever asked me to help and I respected that. I payed off her car, lined up a good job for her. She was overwhelmed and couldn't believe anyone would do that. She desperately wanted to pay me back but I told her it is not an issue. Whenever was fine. She even offered sex, I declined because that was not my motivation for her being her friend, and she is a knockout.
Flash forward to 7 years later, still friends, always will be, She floored me with a check for repayment. Totally unexpected but it spoke volumes for her character. I stuck the money into a Coverdell College Fund and will give it back when her child reaches college age.
Don't say never, just choose wisely. Sometimes doing the right thing, for the right person and right reasons will lift you forever. Pay it forward.