I regret not setting repayment rules when I lent my uncle money.

Now our relationship is hurt because we never had that awkward money talk.

3 comments

3 Comments

Honestly, setting up official rules with family can ruin the trust way more. A signed paper or some strict payment plan turns a kind help into a cold business deal. My cousin would have been so insulted if I handed him a contract, like I didn't believe he was good for it. Sometimes the relationship damage comes from treating them like a bank client, not from the lack of a plan. You gotta ask if you really helped someone or just gave them a new bill to pay.

henderson.mason1mo ago

Yeah, tell that to @masonpark's buddy who now gets the cold shoulder with his turkey. Guess the bill came due in awkward silence instead of cash.

masonpark1mo ago

That point about trust being ruined by official rules really hits home. My buddy loaned his sister cash for a busted transmission. He skipped the awkward talk to keep things friendly. Six months later, when he brought it up, she acted shocked and said she saw it as a family gift. Their holiday dinners have been super tense ever since. Sometimes not setting rules does more harm than good.