I don't like feeling guilt tripped by my friends. I am more than willing to help out, loan money or skills. But, it is hurtful when I am constantly giving and there is little return. However, I can typically overlook that, no one is perfect and a relationship is never a 50/50 split. This time is different though. This time, no matter what their 'good intentions' are, I feel used. The last time I contacted these friends was to see how their daughter (my 'niece') was doing in softball, I wanted to know when the games were so I could come cheer her on. This was almost 2 weeks ago. Since then, I have not heard from them, until Friday. Friday, while I was at work, my phone started blowing up. 'Can we borrow money?' ... 'Oh we were just trying to go meet dad at pride.' ... 'Are you coming [to pride] ???' ... "And is it possible for us to borrow money[?]" ... "Why you not answer me [?]" (The last 2 are direct quotes) Saturday, while I'm trying to spend an early Father's Day with my dad and trying to finish a mountain of homework, the phone starts going off again. 'You coming out tonight???' ... 'My wife and I wanted to go to the pride party' ... 'So were you coming?' ... 'wondered if we could borrow $'... Keep in mind that I have more than helped these friends out before, including most recently providing upwards of $300 worth of food, car pool services, and cash. Now there is a certain amount of petty bs that I normally would overlook going on as well. But considering the circumstances this petty bs is just fuel to the fire. I am by no means rich but I live (begrudgingly) within my budget. Especially as of late, since I am trying to pay for 2 operations, dental work, tuition, among the normal bills. All of that makes saving for a (much needed) new car and new phone incredibly difficult. So to continue with these 'short term loans' only puts me further behind. And I have put off these surgeries for way too long as it is. It might not hurt so much if it weren't for the fact that they spent all their fun money having a good time with other people. I feel like Dad sometimes. The kids run off and spend their gas money on a day at the beach with their friends only to call up Dad when the car runs out of fuel. All I want to know is "why is it that I get asked for $ before I get asked to hang out?"