When I bring up the money I lent, our walk comes to a stop.
After lending money to a family member, I find myself choosing my next words even as I sit on a bench along our walking route.
Scenes
- Whenever I bring up money, everything stops. — After lending money to a family member, I find myself choosing my next words even as I sit on a bench along our walking route.
- I wrote down the date, but… — We agreed on a repayment date when I lent the money. But even after it passed, my family member didn’t bring up the money.
- They’re asking to borrow again — Some time later, a family member asked to borrow money again. The money I’d lent before still hadn’t been repaid.
- What to decide before the amount — When working through family conflict, discussing the amount separately from when it will be repaid can help keep expectations aligned.
- What to write today — Today, write down just one thing you want to clarify first: “how much” or “by when.”
- You can revisit your expectations — You don’t have to agree all at once. Putting different expectations into words is a first step in working through family conflict.
Stories by Cheongun
- Cheongun
- When childhood comes up, we say less as we each search for an answer.
- On my birthday morning, the talk turns to caring for my parents again
- When someone believes you’re in pain
- I came home without apologizing to my child.
- Different standards for tidiness, choosing dinner at the convenience store
- In the waiting room, before deciding who should apologize
- I’m not sure how much to tell my spouse about the get-together with my friends.
- I get short with you when I’m driving.