Borrowing Etiquette 101

Borrowing Etiquette Rule # 1: If you borrow something for a particular purpose (i.e. a snowboarding weekend), return the borrowed materials within 1 week after you are done with them.

Borrowing Etiquette Rule # 2: If you should, for some reason, fail to be able to follow Rule # 1, tell the loaning party when they can expect to get the stuff back from you.

Borrowing Etiquette Rule # 3: If rules # 1 and # 2 above are followed, this rule would not need to exist - the loaning party should never, never (NEVER.) have to ask the borrower when they will get their stuff back, and if they can have it back.

Borrowing Etiquette Rule # 4: If rules 1 & 2 are broken, and Rule # 3 actually has to come into play, and the lending party is asking for their stuff back (after the understood 1 week grace period), they DO NOT have to have a reason or explanation for asking for their own property back from you.

Borrowing Etiquette Rule # 5: If, the lending party is finally forced by your poor borrowing habits to finally have to ask for their own stuff back, return the goods immediately. Even if it means going out of your way to do so.

Borrowing Etiquette Rule # 6: This one is hopefully the one everyone already knows - return the items in as good condition as they were when you borrowed them. If not, make it right.


What did that Chinese calendar thing say? "They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues?" Yeah. OK. You got me, there is a point there. But really, are my rules wrong?? Seriously.