What Am I, the Bank?

About 10 years ago, I worked with a woman who asked if she could borrow $100 until the next paycheck, two weeks away. I knew her for many years, and she swore she would repay the money, so I lent it to her, but emphasized that I wanted the money back when the next payday came around.

Next payday? She said she was paying me $25, but would give me the remaining $75 the following week.

The next week, she gave me $25 instead of $75, AND she did so resentfully and with attitude.

Each day I'd watch her return from lunch at a restaurant with co-workers ($$$) or with bags of clothing purchases from the local mall ($$$). Or she'd come to work in the morning to tell stories about her fun times out with friends after work at the local club or bar ($$$), at the movies ($$$) or at a concert/event ($$$). Paying me back was obvious not a top priority for her.

She still owed me $50. When the next payday came by a week later, I asked her if she had my money for me. She said no. So I sat down with her in her office and said, "Then pay me $5 a day. You can do that, right?? $5 a day for 10 days, and we're done." She looked at me quizzically and asked, "Why, do you need the money?"

Need I say more? People ...