I I was in such a situation and I used a very simple solution.

I took a postcard and wrote a polite mail detailing how long the money was owed and in what circumstances it was borrowed and what my circumstances were when I had lent it out of trust. I also mentioned that I had not asked for the money all these years when I knew or assumed that the borrower's circumstances were not good enough.

Then I mentioned that now the borrower was in a better position financially as was apparent from what latest information I had about him. I had therefore expected him to get back to me and repay the debt like a gentleman I assumed he was when I had lent him the money.

In case he had misplaced my contact details, here they were, right at the bottom of the letter. All he had to do was to phone me and meet up for a coffee and of course repay the debt.

In case his schedule was too busy, he could send me a cheque or a money order. I also mentioned that if he wanted, I could also meet him at his home on a Sunday morning, share a cuppa and collect my debt.

As I said, I used a POST CARD and sent it to his HOME. On three occasions I have had to use such kind of a plan, and it always worked. Also, I did not lose friends. But to be sure, I never ever encouraged talk of money or financial help with these worthies later on.

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