How do you ask

[Roughquest]

A work colleague owes me some money, its not alot, but she appears to have forgotten to give it back, but Im embarrassed to ask for it back and no idea how to ask for it, this person struggles with money as it is (yet they can afford to pay £25 to get some GHD's fixed), how come people who always struggle and moan they cant afford this and that can always afford to buy cigarettes and alcohol ? I dont understand.

[sara3]

just say, "can I have that money back next pay day, I'm a bit short myself now, cheers".

[snags]

A polite reminder that she owes you, and ask when you can expect her to repay it. Don't be embarrassed to ask: it's your money, you did her a favour and she's the one who is a little out of order for leaving it to the stage where you have to ask her...

[ethandron]

yep, just ask for it, with a smile. it's your money, you shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable about asking for it back.
and if they make an excuse and say they haven't got it right now, tell them you need it by friday/ whenever, as you have to pay your mum/dad/catalogue and you're relying on it.
and never lend any money again, to anyone, ever.

[Eastender]

Never a lender or borrower be! thats the saying. No easy way to ask just come straight out and ask, did you forget about that money I loaned? They was'nt embarrased to ask for it, so why should you asking for it back.

[joeluke]

She's probably hoping that you've actually forgotten you lent it to her.....and the longer it goes on, the more she will think that

She's taking the p1$$ out of you, you need to gently remind her she owes you money and ask her when you can expect it to be repaid

[lotsafun]

i hate having to ask for things back too, but i would just be direct. Just say 'look i dont like to ask but im really short myself this month, any idea when you can give back that money i lent you'?

[oldexpat]

This happened to me a while ago until I started rubbing my fingers together everytime I saw him (the money sign of rubbing your fingers together). It did take another week but eventually he came up to me and put it im my pocket. If I was you I would go up to her and smile at her rubbing your fingers together. You wont have to say a word yourself and she will initiate the conversation by saying oh sorry I forgot. Keep doing this. Its both joking but at the same time she knows you want your money.

[Jemisa]

Let us know how you get on RQ.

I've been in that position myself & also found it was embarrassing to ask for it being as after a sob story I volunteered to help out, but they insisted it was just a loan & would pay it back. That was 11 years ago now. But it taught me a lesson I've never lent a penny since.

jem

[AlBags]

That's 'really' important tho . eh? To get some curling tongs fixed!
Just ask.

[xstitcher]

Oh gosh I have been there.........lent money to people that "forgot". Believe me they haven't forgotten my friend.
These are your options as I can see them.....forget the debt entirely but never lend again....you can already make up excuses why you can't. You can remind that person that they owe you money and they will most probably ask for another date to pay you back and it won't happen.
My father gave me such good advice ....never a borrower or a lender be if you want to keep friends.
I hope you learn from this. Good luck.

[China Doll]

'Hi love, you got that £25 you owe me? Ta'

[Roughquest]

Thank you all for your answers thus far, I think I wil just let it go as a valuable lesson, it wasnt a loan as such, they wanted me to buy something for them and they said they would pay me back, but that hasnt happened. It was under £5, its just not worth the hassle.

[jno]

I've occasionally forgotten small amounts I owe. When reminded, I've repaid them. So don't give up without at least asking once.

[LoftyLottie]

I usually forget when people owe me small amounts and get a nice surprise when they remind me and pay me!

[carmalee]

I'm with Steve on this one. Apart from anything else no-one should expect something for nothing. A good way would be to scratch around in your purse for loose change then say 'have you got that £4 or whatever - want to buy a coffee and sandwich and got no cash.