Lifts home from work (I'm stuck with one)

[Damonlufc88]

OK so long story short

My oldest son only attends reception class 1:00-3:30 every week day as he is struggling with coping with school (autism potential)

Youngest attends pre school 1:-3:30 2 days a week

I work 6-2 (no lift because I walk)

But when I work 2-10 I hear every day "alright for a lift?" I can + probably should walk more when I'm on noons, it's about 15 minute walk all up Hill. And at 10pm I just wanna get home to my wife (work opposite shifts although I work 40 hours she does 20 per week)

I have to drive pretty much past my house to take my friend home, granted it's only 10 Minutes extra. But it's MY 10 minutes!! I just don't know how to simply say "no"

I've even thought about parking my car where I know it's not the way my colleague, who is actually a friend. Would walk.

His wife doesn't work. Don't think any intention either + they have 2 young kids 2 &1 but I feel I'm getting no thanks. It's not about any petrol money, that I've never been offered.

I just want to clock off and get home.

[Msqueen33]

I'd either park my car somewhere else or say you can take them to yours and they'll have to walk the rest of the way. I understand at 10pm who wants to walk but they should make arrangements.

Good luck with your son. Two of my dc have autism.

[MsGameandWatch]

If say, "yes but can you walk from mine as I have to get home straight away tonight to help wife/kids want me/wife has to go out" until it becomes the status quo. That's if you don't mind giving the lift as far as yours in the first place.

[Damonlufc88]

Thank you for being understanding. It's pretty much left at the roundabout to mine or right for him. So him walking from mine isn't much of a benefit for him. I mean I've got enough on at home without ferrying him around. As a 1 off sure, but I just get so annoyed. It's maybe only 3 miles round trip further to take him. But it's just the annoyance. Think I will have to park my car in another place. If I did walk home it would take me only 5 minutes more than taking him but 10pm I don't really want to be doing that.

[DartmoorDoughnut]

Just say something like "we've got a lot in at home now so I need to get back asap, I can drop you off at ge roundabout but you'll have to walk from there". Don't say sorry, you're doing them a favour as it is!

[doughnutcraver]

If you keep making excuses he will keep asking
just say you want to be home by 22:10 from now as you want to spend time with your wife before she goes to bed at 22:30. Keep repeating until he stops asking.

[Abraiid2]

Frankly walking a bit at ten pm at this time of year shouldn't be an issue for your colleague.

[Damonlufc88]

I just think l it's become expected of me. Understandably the roads are pretty empty but its just becoming a pet hate... Once or twice is fine now and again but it's really taking its toll on me

[GuntherKinte]

Sounds like he's taking the piss. Just say "Sorry, no." - there's no more needed.

Or, as suggested, just say you'll take them as far as yours but that's it.

[brownear]

Rather than saying you can't do it tonight, is say you can't do it this week as your wife has asked you to get home sharp.

That way he won't ask you the next day.

Maybe try that 2 weeks in a row and he'll get the message.