This is a classic dilemma that really highlights the intersection of finances and friendship! There’s no single right answer, as it depends heavily on individual circumstances and the nature of the relationship.
Here’s how I’d break it down:
**Would you chase a friend for £5?**
My initial inclination would be **no, probably not, unless…**
* **The “Unless” Scenarios:**
* **I genuinely needed it.** If “we’re all broke” means *I’m* truly struggling and that £5 would make a difference (e.g., for bus fare, a specific item I need), then yes, I would politely ask for it back.
* **It’s a recurring pattern.** If this friend *frequently* “forgets” to pay back small amounts, and it starts to add up, then I would bring it up. It’s less about the £5 and more about the principle and the expectation of reciprocity in a friendship.
* **The way it was lent.** If it was a clear, explicit loan (e.g., “Can you spot me £5? I’ll pay you back tomorrow.”), then I’d be more likely to remind them than if I just covered a coffee without much thought.
* **They’re clearly not broke and just being forgetful/exploitative.** If I know they have plenty of money and are just being flaky, I’d be more inclined to remind them.
* **The “Why Not” Scenarios:**
* **To avoid awkwardness.** For such a small amount, many people would rather just let it go than create a potentially uncomfortable situation.
* **As a gesture of goodwill.** Sometimes, you just consider it a small gift or a way to help out a friend without expectation of repayment, especially if you know they’re struggling.
* **The value of the friendship outweighs the money.** For many, the risk of straining a friendship over £5 isn’t worth it.
**What’s the smallest amount of money you would ask a friend to pay you back?**
For me, it’s not a fixed number, but more about the **context and the pattern of behavior.**
1. **If it’s a one-off and genuinely forgotten:** I’d probably let anything under **£10-£15** go, especially if I’m not in dire need and the friend is usually reliable. For things like covering a coffee (£3-£5), I rarely expect it back unless they offer.
2. **If it’s a clear loan for a specific purpose (e.g., covering their share of a meal, lending cash for an emergency):** I would expect repayment for anything **£5 and above**, and I’d gently remind them if they forgot.
3. **If it’s a recurring pattern:** Even **£1 or £2** can become annoying if it happens every time you go out. If a friend consistently “forgets” to pay back small sums, I’d bring it up when the total reaches **£10 or more**, or after 3-4 instances, regardless of the individual amounts. At that point, it’s about mutual respect and not feeling taken advantage of.
**In summary:** For a single instance, I’d likely let £5 slide. But the minute it becomes a pattern, or if I truly need it, even small amounts become something worth discussing politely. Good friends understand that healthy financial boundaries are part of a strong relationship.
