We have this problem at the station sometimes with the station vehicles that everyone gets to drive. And it makes me crazy, so I am definitely on the side of the owner of the car. What about you?
Hi Jaime, I don't want to give you my real name because I'm not sure if my friend is listening and I want to remain anonymous with my dilemma so I'll say my name is Jake. Here's the dilemma. I have been friends with "Joe" (not his real name) for about 20 years. We are always there for each other. Whenever he needs me, I'm there no questions asked and vice versa. However, recently I had to borrow Joe's car as mine was in the shop. He happily obliged. So I took the car, ran the errands and work stuff I had to take care of, and brought the car back. I didn't feel like I went all that far, so that was that. Later that evening, I got a call from Joe, asking why I didn't fill the tank up with gas. I told him I hadn't gone that far, and since we are old friends I didn't think it was a big deal. He said he felt like I was taking advantage of him and that gas is expensive these days. I apologized, but told him I didn't feel like I did anything wrong, as this is what friends do for each other. He said borrowing the car was the favor, and that I should have put gas in it. I will probably end up giving him some money to smooth things over, but I think I'm right. When a friend helps out, it should be with no strings attached. What do you think? Thanks Jaime, I'll be listening. -Jake
Well, I have to say I agree with Joe on this one. I think it's common courtesy if someone lets you borrow their car to fill up the gas tank. We have vehicles here at the station that several people use and it always make me crazy when I get into one of them and the gas tank isn't filled. I feel like you're not thinking about the next person. So sorry Jake, I'm with Joe on this one. What about you? Is Jake right about friendship with no strings or is Joe right, if you borrow the car, fill up the tanks. Let me know what you think!