Tough Talk,
I’ve always tried to be a good and generous person and see the best in people. But one of our neighbors is always asking to borrow one thing or another. If it’s not a cup of sugar it’s a coping saw or whatever. I think he’s taking advantage as we never seem to get these things back or are ever repaid the favors. What do you think I should do TT? (Alma, Georgia)
Alma,
Tell the neighbor that due unexplained circumstances you are now going to need to charge him and secure deposits. If he doesn’t take like it, TT says TS. ###
Tough Talk 
It’s good to be a good neighbor, to good neighbors. Could be your neighbor is not a good neighbor, could be he’s just forgetful or disorganized.
Have you every asked him for something he wouldn’t give or lend ? Have you ever reminded him that he still hasn’t returned the saw ?
If you’re sure of what they’ve borrowed and not returned (I would not expect them to return the sugar, but they should have returned the cup it was in or the saw rather quickly) you can confront them, demand they return your things to you. If he’s half decent, he’ll at least feel embarrassed. If you don’t get your stuff back, you’ll never have to lend them anything again, they won’t dare ask. If you do, they’ll respect you more for having made a stand, so the problem should be solved as well. Either way, you’ll feel better about yourself.
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