How would you respond to a neighbor asking to borrow stuff?

kiwi443

like a cup of sugar, an egg, or something along that line.

This was brought up on another board and I'm interested in a wider variety of responses.

So, is it weird? normal? intrusive?

 

CalinsBride

If we are friendly, it wouldn't bother me.

We're not friendly with a lot of our neighbours, so I would probably think its weird. But I'd still let them borrow the item, assuming I could spare it.

starlingrose

Totally fine. I live on a cul-de-sac with only about 5 houses. Im very close with my basement suite neighbour and landlords and next door neighbour. There have been many times where I needed a cup of milk or something but didnt want to put someone off so didnt ask. But if they came over to ask it wouldnt bother me.

MrsBatty

If it happened every now and then I wouldn't mind a bit, and I would totally help out if I could.  

If it happened often ...   that might get annoying.  I dunno ... I've asked my neighbor to borrow something random once. 

 

Chrysallys

I don't see any problem with it and would give such items to a neighbor. Within reason of course. I'm not about to give away a whole carton of eggs.

DEBBIE33CASEY

I would give it to them right away. Unless it becomes something that they do more than once a week, or are obviously taking advantage of me.

But being friendly to a neightbor is more important to me than witholding an egg or cup of sugar   This goes for neighbors I am very friendly with and neighbors I've never officially met.

Dulaney

I wouldn't think twice about it, and we aren't that friendly with out neighbors.

katypresson

Depends on the neighbor.  If the neighbors we like asked...then sure.  No problem...not weird at all. 

If one of our crazy neighbors asked I would say, "Sorry we're out" so they don't think it's ok and keep asking for stuff. 

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I wouldn't mind if it wasn't happening a lot.  If it was starting to get ridiculous and happening all the time I would start to wonder why they weren't walking a block to the market.

We do have one neighbor who I owe the world to because she has watched my dogs for two weekends while we were out of town and not asked for a dime in return.  We have gotten her gift certificates to a nice restaurant both times.  If she needed something then I would definitely help her out.

TommysGirl56

For those kinds of things, sure I would share with no problem. I want to cultivate friendly relationships with the people around me, so I am always ready to lend a hand. If they start taking advantage of me I would change my tune.

EastCoastBride

A couple weeks ago, a neighbor came asking for a cup of mayo. I didn't know her from Adam, but whatever.  I gave her some.

This was truly the first time that has ever happened and I didnt' see it as a big deal. 

kiwi443

I don't think it's a big deal either. I would be happy to give my neighbors stuff unless it becomes a routine occurence.

hisaak

We do it all the time   We live in a pretty friendly neighbourhood though ... not sure that it would change if we lived somewhere I didn't know people.