"I Feel Awful" - WIBTA For Not Lending A Friend A Massive Amount Of Money?

Friends from childhood often share a deep and lasting bond, forged through shared experiences and memories that span years. These friendships can be a source of comfort, support, and understanding that is hard to find elsewhere.

When friends from childhood face challenges or difficulties, they often turn to each other for help and guidance. Supporting a friend from childhood can be a complicated and nuanced issue, especially when it involves significant financial or emotional investment.

Despite the challenges, many people believe that true friends are there for each other through thick and thin, offering a sense of security and loyalty that is invaluable. The decision to support a friend from childhood depends on individual circumstances and priorities.

Friends from childhood can provide a unique perspective and support system, but it's also essential to consider one's own needs and limitations. OP's lifelong friendship with his best friend has been put to the test.

The two have been inseparable since childhood, always there for each other through thick and thin. But when his friend's food business began to struggle, the bonds of their relationship were put under immense pressure.

With the weight of loans and financial uncertainty bearing down on him, OP's friend turned to him in desperation, asking for a substantial amount of money to keep his business afloat.

As you read on, you'll get to decide what you would do if you found yourself in the OP's situation.

The OP writes...

Reddit

English isn't the OP's native language

Reddit

He currently doesn't have a way to pay back the loans

Reddit

The OP feels like he's between a rock and a hard place

Reddit

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the AH:

We've been friends for a long time and we always helped each other. I know he's not someone who wouldn't pay me back and I feel like I'm abandoning my friend in his moment of need. I can't help but feel like an AH.

Let's head into the comments section and find out what other Redditors have to say about the story

Reddit

He's very much not keeping his business afloat

Reddit

The OP should accept that he might never get the money back

Reddit

This Redditor is listing what the OP should have in mind

Reddit

The OP should not give his friend the money

Reddit

This Redditor says they should sign a contract

Reddit

It's as simple as this

Reddit

The OP will never see that money again

Reddit

OP's predicament highlights the challenges of friendships and financial obligations. As OP weighs his options, one can't help but wonder how everything will turn out.

Would the OP lean towards helping his friend, potentially jeopardizing his own financial stability, or prioritize his own financial security, risking pressure on the friendship?

The weight of $600,000 hangs in the balance, a reminder that tough decisions often come with no clear-cut answers. OP's decision will ultimately define the true test of friendship and financial responsibility, leaving one to ponder the what-ifs and maybes.