LIFE

 

Dear Carol,  

My friend takes my money. She owes me $5 and now wants more. All the girls do this to me. They ask me for my money or my lunch. And when I don’t give them what they ask for, they get mad at me.

-Sick of Being Nice 

Dear Sick of Being Nice,

You can be nice without being the local bank, and you can be generous without feeling used. Say, “I’d lend you money, but you still owe me $5.” Or try, “I don’t have any extra money on me,” or simply, “I’m hungry. Get your own lunch.”

Saying no to others can mean saying yes to yourself. If girls routinely take advantage of you, it’s time for you to quite being the victim. You don’t have to buy friendships. Becoming a good listener and a cheerful, interesting person is a much better way to build long-lasting bonds. Don’t shortchange yourself, either. Hang with girls who are worth your time.

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by Carol Weston | 10/5/2016