Never Trust Other People With Your Own Money

Two weeks back, a friend whom I have known since high school called me and told me that he needed cash to help his company to turn around. We used to hang out and attended each others wedding ceremony. I would actually consider him as a good family friend, we go as far back as 1992.

When he needed help I went all the way to help him. At that time, I have some cash that I was preparing for my kid's education insurance and vehicle tax. He promised that he will return the money in a weeks time. The money should have been back before I needed the money. At the time of this writing, the promise was made two weeks ago.

Sadly, I have to pay for the vehicle tax which I have to borrow money from someone else. My insurance will be due soon and I honestly doubt I will be getting my money back soon. I have called him and make appointment with him. He kept on saying he has the money with him. Yet, there are all sorts of lame excuses, unanswered calls and mobile phones that are switched off.

I have been brought up with a strong beleive in having trust in other people. This is how I live my life and this is also how I operate my business. It is only through trust that we can have a long term successful business relationship. No doubt I feel the pain of my monetary lost, but it hurts most is having to lose trust and faith in a friend. If he had told me that he is in financial difficulty, I may not have lend him so much but I am sure I would still lend him some and prepare the write off the amount.

What has this world come into? If we cannot trust our friends and family. The only thing that we can really trust is money? I honestly hope not! Maybe this is why I am struggling with my hotel management/ supplier business. I actually put trust ahead of money.

Do I still trust my friend? Sigh... I am afraid I have lost faith in him. Even if he does returns the money to me, I would still see him as my friend but I would be extra careful with his request.

As I am struggling in my own red ink. I know for sure I will NOT drag my debts. I would rather go without food than destroying the trust that others has given me.