You're listening to life kit from NPR.
Hey, what's up, everybody?
Andrew Limbaugh here in for Mario Saguera.
Okay, life kit is no stranger to tough, uncomfortable conversations that you maybe want to put off for as long as possible, especially when it comes to money and when it comes to relationships and when it comes to mixing money and relationships.
But today, were going to cover a conversation that can outright end friendships.
So much of financial decisions involve emotions.
And if you want to ruin a relationship, lend somebody some money, lending money.
And were not talking about picking up the tab at dinner or spotting someone for movie tickets.
Were talking about covering someones rent or car payment, a significant dollar amount for you, whatever that may be.
And listen, if youre in a position to help out your friend or family, thats great.
Strengthen the relationship and be beneficial for everyone involved.
When we engage in these communal activities, it reinforces our social bonds.
And so I think there's so much beauty in that.
And ultimately, I think there's beauty in knowing that the person that you love is not suffering anymore, that you gave them peace of mind for some period of time.
But how do you know if you are in a position to help or if you just straight up can't?
That's a conversation that can involve a lot of guilt and shame.
Is embarrassed the right word?
What's the feeling I'm looking for?
It's hard to not look like, ugh, not seem selfish or not.
You're Scrooge McDuck.