Hello! I have a quandary, and I want your feedback:
SITUATION #1: I recently gave a friend $300. She couldn't pay her rent and called me basically on the second day of the month needing money. I've known this friend for more than a decade. I knew she had fallen on hard times, but I never offered any financial assistance because my situation has not been the most cushy either. However, when this friend called me needing cash, I sent it to her through pay pal without hesitation. I know her lifestyle and that she was only asking because she genuinely needed it. I have an EXTREMELY short list of people who can ask and receive cash from me. Among the people are my mother and a friend I've known since pre-school who looked out for me when I was in college. I treasure longevity and loyalty with my friendships. The only problem I have with giving my friend $300 was that I couldn't offer more. I know I'm not getting the money back and I don't want it back. Honestly, I just want her to get financially stable.
SITUATION #2: I went on a social outing with a relatively new friend. A new friend in my book is someone I've hung out with for fewer than five years. I know that may seem like a long time, but I am from Chicago. Native Chicagoans often have the same friends since first grade. I am open to meeting new people, but I fully believe that it takes a while for you to know someone. Now, if I've known you for fewer than five years, it doesn't mean that I don't consider you a friend or a great person. I just know it takes a long time to see how we weather life's ups and downs. Anyhow, there was a bill situation with the "new friend" and she owes me $30. I didn't raise a big stink about it, but I can't get it out of my head. This new friend has been supportive, cool and nice in other situations, but I am still annoyed that she stiffed me out of $30. I feel like I shouldn't have to ask for it. She knows that she owes it; she doesn't give a crap. Where I am in my life, I don't feel like being a bill collector. However, that $30 could pay for a few meals, a wash-and-set or almost fill up my gas tank. At this point, it's about the principle. The "old Natalie" would have given said person a thorough tongue lashing. but I've grown past that. For now. ;)
One I would think I would be more upset about giving up $300 than $30, but I'm not.
So Frugalistas, please help me out:
Am I petty for wanting my $30? What would you do? Have you ever had a situation where you felt like someone "got over" on you? Do you give your friends money? Should I not be worried about $30 and think about the $300? Has anyone owed you a small sum and you still were upset like they owed you a mortgage payment? Please tell me what you are thinking!
