Should I Lend Money to a Friend in Need? AITA for Saying No?

A 28-year-old woman refused to lend money to her friend Lisa, and it spiraled fast enough that the post basically screams, “I’m trying to be kind, but I’m not a bank.”

Lisa lost her job months ago and is now asking OP for rent and bill money. OP gets the desperation, but she also knows Lisa has a pattern of borrowing from friends and not paying them back, plus OP is the type who saves for emergencies and works hard for every dollar.

So when Lisa shows up looking broke and guilty at the same time, OP has to decide if helping her is loyalty or a setup.

Original Post

I (28F) have a friend, let's call her Lisa, who's been going through a tough time financially. She lost her job a few months ago and has been struggling to make ends meet ever since.

Lisa recently asked me if I could lend her some money to help cover her rent and bills. While I empathize with her situation, I'm also aware that Lisa has a history of mismanaging her finances.

She's borrowed money from friends in the past and hasn't always paid them back. For background, I work hard for my money and try to save up for emergencies.

I've always been cautious about loaning money to friends because I've seen relationships get strained over financial issues in the past. I value my friendship with Lisa, but I also don't want to put myself in a difficult position by lending her money that she may not return.

Lisa seemed really desperate when she asked for help, and I feel guilty for considering saying no. On one hand, I want to support her during this tough time, but on the other hand, I don't want to jeopardize our friendship or put my finances at risk.

It's a tough situation, and I'm torn between helping a friend in need and protecting myself. So AITA for refusing to lend money to Lisa despite knowing she's struggling financially and could use the help?

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It’s also like the AITA case where someone says no to lending money to their best friend, despite emotional pleas.

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Lisa’s rent-and-bills request hits OP right when she’s already thinking about how past loans ruined friendships.

OP isn’t just saying no to a sob story, she’s saying no to the fact that Lisa has a history of not paying people back.

The “really desperate” vibe is what makes OP feel guilty, even though her own emergency savings are on the line.

Now OP is stuck between backing Lisa in public and protecting herself in private, and the comments are going to roast that choice.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

Nobody wants to become Lisa’s next unpaid rent plan.

Still wondering if you should help, read the AITA fight over refusing to lend a financially struggling friend money.