We asked Get Ahead readers to send in their opinions on lending money to their friends/relatives. Here reader Sreenivas Reddy says he can sacrifice money but not friendship if ever he were to make a choice between the two:
I am also facing similar kind of problems that others faced. But before I tell about lending money to my friends and waiting for them, I would like to tell about borrowing money from one of my colleague and also my college mate.
In 2001 I borrowed Rs 3,000 from one of my college mate when I was working in Hyderabad. Basically I am a good guy and always wanted to return the money, but due to my deep financial problems I couldn't return the money. After that I joined a Bangalore based company with a good pay packet; but there also I borrowed Rs 15,000 from one of my colleague promising him that I would repay within 3 months.
After that I went abroad and it took me almost 9 months to return his money. I am sure he must have felt bad about it, he also tried to contact me through one of our common friend. I really felt bad that I couldn't return him in time. We don't have good relations now; even I tried to contact him but he won't respond properly.
But I know he helped me when I was in need. And I couldn't return the money which I borrowed from my college mate when I was in Hyderabad. I don't know where he is now. I am sure he would have felt bad and now I am afraid to contact him, even if I find his address, thinking about the consequences, its tough to face him, I know he is a nice guy. It's there in my list that I will return his money at the earliest (Once I find his address).
On the other hand, recently I lent Rs 2 lakhs to one of my colleague when he was in need. He promised that he would return within 3 months; now it's 6 months and he has never returned. I am just waiting. I also lent almost Rs 2 lakhs to some other friends, but I am sure I won't get it back.
I will try to get my money, not at the cost of losing my friendship. Just because they are my good friends and will try to avoid lending money whenever possible. But In genuine cases, I would like to lend, I am more experienced in borrowing and lending money now and so can make good judgement in lending but would never want to borrow from anyone.
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Have you even found yourself in such a situation? Has a relative/ friend who borrowed money from you defaulted on repayment? How did you handle things?
We would love to hear from you -- email your experiences, advice and opinions in this regard to getahead@rediff.co.in, and the best entries will be published right here on rediff.com.
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