This is a classic dilemma that most people face in friendships! There’s no single right answer, as it depends heavily on context, the individuals involved, and the nature of the friendship.
Let’s break it down:
### “We’re all broke”: Would you chase a friend for £5?
**It really depends, but in this specific scenario, I lean towards no, *unless* it’s a pattern.**
1. **The “We’re all broke” context:** If genuinely *everyone* is struggling financially, then £5 might actually be more significant than it seems. However, if I’m also broke, *and* I know my friend is *also* struggling, asking for £5 back could put an undue strain on them and the friendship. I’d probably swallow the £5 and consider it a small contribution to help a friend in a tight spot, *if I could afford to*.
2. **The “One-off” vs. “Pattern”:**
* **One-off:** If it’s a rare occurrence, and I know the friend is usually good about money or genuinely forgot, I’d likely let it slide. The awkwardness of asking might outweigh the value of the £5.
* **Pattern:** If this friend *always* “forgets” to pay back small amounts, and these £5s start adding up (e.g., £5 for coffee, £10 for lunch, £5 for a drink), then yes, I would absolutely chase them – not necessarily for the £5 itself, but for the principle and to prevent it from continuing. I might even bundle the amounts: “Hey, I think you owe me about £20 overall for the last few times we hung out.”
3. **My own financial situation:** If I genuinely *need* that £5 back to make ends meet, then yes, I would have to ask, regardless of the awkwardness. But I’d do so very gently.
### What’s the smallest amount of money you would ask a friend to pay you back?
For most people, including myself, the smallest amount is highly contextual, but here are the factors I’d consider:
1. **Relationship:**
* **Close Friend:** More leeway, higher tolerance for smaller amounts to be “forgotten” or considered a gift, especially if roles reverse sometimes.
* **Casual Friend/Acquaintance:** Less leeway. More likely to ask for smaller amounts back, as the shared history isn’t there to absorb the small losses.
2. **The *Why*:**
* **Splitting a bill:** If we agreed to split something (e.g., lunch, a taxi), then even small amounts are usually expected to be paid back, as it’s an equitable division.
* **Covering a small favor:** If I grabbed a coffee for them because they were running late, and it was £3, I might just say “don’t worry about it.”
* **Emergency:** If I spotted them cash because they were stuck, even £5, I’d expect it back.
3. **Frequency/Pattern:** This is the most crucial factor.
* **One-off:** For a one-time “loan” of, say, **£5-£10**, if it’s not part of a larger bill, I might let it go, especially with a close friend.
* **Recurring:** If *any* amount, even as little as **£2-£3**, becomes a recurring forgotten payment, then I would bring it up. The principle of not taking advantage becomes more important than the amount itself.
4. **Ease of Payment:** With apps like Venmo, Zelle, Monzo, etc., sending even £1 or £2 is so easy that the friction of asking or paying is minimal. This lowers the threshold for what people might ask for back.
**My personal rule of thumb:**
* **If it’s a one-off and under £5 (e.g., for a coffee or small snack), and I can afford it, I’d probably just let it go for a close friend.**
* **If it’s part of a shared experience (like splitting a meal, drinks, or tickets), or if it’s over £5-£10, I’d usually expect it back, regardless of the friend.**
* **If *any* amount starts becoming a pattern, I’d address it, often by bundling the owed amounts together.**
Ultimately, it’s about mutual respect and not wanting to feel taken advantage of, while also valuing the friendship over minor monetary transactions.
