Friends & family
How to ask a friend to pay you back
You’re talking to Devon, a close friend. Two months ago you covered Devon’s concert ticket. Devon still hasn’t paid you back. The goal: ask for the money and a date, and keep the friendship.
Your first line
“Hey, this is a little awkward, but I wanted to ask about the $120 for the concert ticket. Can you send it by Friday?”
Start soft, but say the amount and a date in the same breath. Asking plainly once is kinder than hinting for weeks.
What Devon might say, and what to say back
Devon: “Oh man, totally. I’ll get you soon.”
You: “Thanks, man. Can we pick a day? Does Friday work?”
Devon: “Things are kind of tight right now.”
You: “I get it, no stress. Could you do half now and the rest on the 1st?”
Devon: “Can I just get you next time we go out?”
You: “I’d rather just get it back, honestly. Half now and half on the 1st works for me.”
Two things that trip people up
- Hinting for weeks, or making “must be nice” jokes.Ask once, directly and kindly: the amount and a date.
- Accepting “soon” with no date.Ask for a day: “Cool, so Friday?” Part now plus a date for the rest is fine.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Devon pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, June, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Start soft.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.