Friend keeps asking for money

[Tevion1213]

I've known them few years but we have mostly just chatted by text only met up handful of times.
He must be in a sticky situation has he's never asked for money before but I'm low income on a strict budget as have some major costs to sort I've explained this but they keep asking. Its put me off and I feel like ending the friendship. Aibu

They have recently taken a large loan to help a relative and not getting overtime at work

I have no savings and suffer with my mental health and under immense stress financially savings gone have some debt I wish they'd leave me alone

I don't understand why you are asking if YOU are being unreasonable?

How much are they asking for?

I guess I feel awful to ignore them now

They're not really good friends - your friendship is expendable. I bet if you say no, they will cool the friendship anyway.
If they were good friends and you had lots of money I would say loan them on the understanding you probably won't get it back.
In your shoes, just say sorry, would like to help but literally every penny is accounted for.

ah OK. Well, no, YANBU.

200 but that's alot for me at the moment as I'm on a strict budget where I have so much to last the week after household expenses etc

Just say no and please don't ask again. Be clear. They're making you uncomfortable and that's not ok.

You can't afford it. Don't give any money.

Usually if people are asking more distant friends it's because they've exhausted family and close friends.

Broken record, you can't afford it.

£200 is a lot of money if you have it or not. Nope nip it in the bud now otherwise it will keep getting more , once they paid that back they will use you as a personal bank account .

I sympathise with their predicament, but it's not your problem.

You don't need to end the friendship as such, just don't respond to their messages. Or respond to the next one and say "no, I can't lend you anything as I have no spare money" then ignore all future messages.

It's not your problem, OP and you are under no obligation to lend your friend anything. Actually, is he much of a friend at all? Block him if he won't take no for an answer.

Send him this..
A friend in need is a pest..
With a smiley emoji.. Just ignore the request imo.

Text him "Dave, I value our friendship but your requests for money are not fair. I'm not in a position lend you anything so please stop asking"

If he has an issue with that, he's not a friend.

Literally why I no longer have a close friend the constant begging and of course I feel uncomfortable asking for it back because she was a friend which means I never got it back

Never mix friendship and money

Frankly, it wouldn't matter if you were a billionaire, no one has to lend/give anyone anything.

Just say if they keep asking you'll be forced to take a step back from the friendship.

If they know that you are on a strict budget, financially really stretched, are suffering with your mental health, have major costs and no savings, and they are asking you for money..

they are not your friend.

OP, I guarantee you will never see your money or this person again if you give this money.

Please don't give it.

Asking once is fine, although still a bit awkward.

Asking after you've been told no, is not on. You've had an answer and are now moving into pestering territory.

I agree that this 'friend' has already exhausted all closer friends and family member contacts and is now looking outwards.

I would not believe a word they say about 'helping a relative' - even if they did this, it was not a good idea if they could not afford it and no one else should be dealing with their mistake.

dont leave it open with an answer like “sorry I can’t afford it right now” you’ll just have them coming back later asking if you can afford it.

Id say, “No, I don’t lend money to friends.” if they cool off with you then you’ll know they were just a user.

They know I have financial strain I'm disappointed they keep asking tbh it's really put me off them.

I would never dream of asking again once I'd, been told no

Because he’s selfish and he doesn’t care about you or you being in financial difficulty because of him.