A woman is contemplating giving her friends, who are struggling to find affordable housing, 5,000 euros. The woman and her husband purchased a home early in life, benefited from inheritances, and now want to help their friends who are facing financial difficulties due to late parenthood and high rental costs.
This raises the question of whether mixing friendship and finances is a good idea. Responses from various individuals offer diverse perspectives on this dilemma.
Some believe that giving without expecting anything in return is the best approach, emphasizing that such generosity shouldn’t hinder friendship. One person even suggested anonymously gifting the money.
Others advise caution, warning that financial assistance can create an imbalance in the friendship and potentially lead to further requests or resentment.
Alternatives to outright gifting were also suggested, such as offering a loan with a friendly interest rate or providing support in less direct ways, like covering expenses during social outings.
One person shared a story of providing support after a tragedy and receiving an anonymous gift in return, highlighting the potential for unsolicited generosity to strengthen bonds.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to give money to friends is a personal one, requiring careful consideration of the potential impact on the friendship.