The Act
A college student lent his close friend a large sum — the friend's mother was supposedly hospitalized and needed it urgently. No written agreement, no repayment date. "We're brothers, it's fine."
The Price
The money never came back. Every follow-up was dodged, every reminder met with a new excuse, and eventually with silence. The friendship died without a fight — just a slow fade — and he was left with an expensive lesson and one fewer friend.
The Lesson
Lend only what you can afford to lose, and write it down even with friends. "No paperwork because we trust each other" is exactly how trust gets monetized. If the amount matters to you, the paperwork should too. A real friend won't be offended by a simple IOU.
FAFO Index
6/10 — he paid full price to learn what the money was really worth.
Bottom Line
A loan without terms is a gift with resentment.