For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 19, 2019

See what you got yourself into, Michael?

Uh-oh… .

Life Lesson # 14 …. Choose your words CAREFULLY.

I see a double date in the future

Lending money to a friend is always dangerous. It probably leads to more broken friendships than any thing else.

$5. I think back in 1990 it cost more than that to go on a movie date.

“A friend in need is a pest, indeed.”

Ruh Roh

Never say “anything I can do for you just ask?” after incurring a debt. And never respond to someone saying “anything I can do for you just ask” by saying “Anything?” That gives the other party the chance to say “well anything within reason.” I learned that in the ninth grade thanks to some very attractive and grateful young ladies, who weren’t THAT grateful if you get my drift.

Mike was a useless kid with no responsibilities, job or willingness to earn his 5 bucks.

Slippery slope lending money to a friend. Best to just give it to them and be surprised if they return it.

My mom didn’t believe in allowances, she figured if you wanted money, make it yourself. I was working in Burger King by 15. And as soon as that happened, she charged me rent…. I moved out at 18.

Do they even allow kids to do paper routes anymore? I think now you have to be over 18 and drive a car. So sad.

A friend of mine lost her boyfriend’s ring. She wanted to replace it and I lent her the money. Last time I saw her face. I was very young and it was many month’s allowances. It’s better to have that lesson early in life.

Anthony wants a date with Lizard Breath.

The quickest way to lose a friend is to loan them money. I have loaned money to friends before and never asked for it back. They knew they owed it, it was their responsibility to pay it back, not mine to remind them. I always considered the loan a loss. I’d much rather lose the money, than lose a friend.

We have “loaned” money to our nephews more than once. Only one of them bothered to pay it back, and he did it in “trade” by helping to build a shed in our back yard. The last time was to his brother whom we thought was the “responsible one” and would pay it back when promised. It’s been about 5 years and we’ve never heard a peep from him and don’t expect to.

As several others have said, we always saw it as a gift rather than a loan (but didn’t tell them that), and have never dunned anyone for repayment. It’s not worth losing a relationship over a bit of cash. Plus we will never do it again.

I think what Mike just went through made him best man and husband and his parents very proud

Never lend more than you can afford to lose. Never expect payback. I keep this philosophy even when lending THINGS. It helps me not to feel pissed off if the things are not returned. I might make ONE reminder, but I will never nag someone. In general, the old adage is true: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be…”

Never allow anyone to do you a favor, and never make the “I will do anything” promise. Eventually they will take you up on your word, usually at the most inopportune and inconvenient time possible.

He already owes $1 to Elizabeth, now $5 to Gordon? That puts Michael $6 in debt. Something tells me Michael will not grow up to become an accountant.

Advice to any single guys who read this comic: If you go out on a date with a girl and she talks about her financial problems, run now. There is a 99% chance that girl is looking for someone to bail her out.

Friends or family—

Someone once said:I had some money…I had a friend.I lent some money to my friend.I lost my money …I lost my friend.

Shakespeare was apparently in two minds abut lending: 1) Neither a borrower nor a lender be!2) Lend me your ear!

I’ve been sucked into that trap with friends and family, I don’t do that anymore.