Dear Blake,
Four years ago, a former friend, “Karla,” offered me a nice oak side chair of hers. Karla said she had no use for it and assured me she wouldn’t want it back. I accepted the chair and have used it since then.
When it was given to me, the back cushion was missing and the seat cushion was hard. After a couple of years, I bought nice fabric and had the chair repaired and reupholstered. It cost me $175. If I had thought the chair was on loan only, I wouldn’t have done that. I sent her a pic of the finished improvements, and she replied that it looked nice.
A year later, she abruptly ended our friendship. She was angry with me because I had confused her airport arrival time and she had to wait an hour. Twice I apologized profusely, but Karla has not responded. (That was 14 months ago.)
Ten days ago, I received a text from one of her friends, telling me Karla wants me to return the chair she “let me borrow.” The friend wanted to know when I could deliver it. I’m completely taken aback. She gave it to me! What is your take on this pickle?
Signed, Ginger
From Topeka, Kansas
* * * * * * * *
Dear Ginger,
I personally would not return the chair. And it sounds to me if Karla is off her rocker… excuse the pun. Anyway, here are some options I think you should consider. If she wants the chair back, charge her for it getting repaired, reupholstered, and an interior decorator’s fee. If she refuses, tell her she bid on it on eBay. Or, tell her that the chair is no longer in the place where it was in the picture, because it’s now in the fireplace, keeping your living room toasty warm. Or this idea. Tell her you will return it, after you damaged it to the point it was when she gave it to, including some vengeful wear and tear. And this last idea. Chop it up and send it to her one toothpick at a time, and if she takes issue with that, then send it to her one splinter at a time. I hope this helps.
Blake