Borrowing and lending are everyday consideration in action. A borrowed ladder or car carries the lender's trust along with it.
Key idea
Ask before you borrow. Return the item on time, in as good shape or better. Replace what you break or use up. Lend only what you can afford to lose.
Why it works
A lender does you a favor and takes a small risk. Returning the item on time means they don't have to chase you, and returning it in good shape, cleaned, refilled or with a full tank, turns a favor into a pleasure. Replacing what you break shows that you value their trust above the cost. And lending only what you could do without keeps a broken dish from becoming a broken friendship.
Worked example: A borrowed car
Nora borrows her friend Kofi's car for a weekend trip. The tank was full when she took it. What should she do before returning it?
- Fill the tank, since she used the gas.
- Clear out any trash and return it on the day she said.
- Thank Kofi, perhaps with a small treat.
Answer: Return it with a full tank, clean, on time.
Worked example: A broken dish
Sam borrowed a serving dish from Mrs. Hale for a party and it cracked. What should he do?
- Tell her plainly rather than hoping she won't notice.
- Offer to replace it with the same or a similar dish.
- If it can't be replaced, apologize sincerely and offer something she would like.
Answer: Tell her, apologize, and replace it.
Common mistake
Returning a borrowed car with an empty tank or a dish unwashed. Returning it better than you found it is the custom. Quick check: would the lender be glad to lend to you again?