Grrrrrr

[Weka]

That really is a bit of a cheek. I'd probably get it back then when when she asked to borrow it say the dog bit it and you threw it out. Hopefully by the time you need it again, then shes already bought her own, and you can have your own again.

Or just start dropping strong hints that she needs to get her own and when you said she could borrow it, you never intended for it to live at her house and if she needs it that often, then she really needs to sort something herself. Easy to say from this end of the computer though.

[Diflower]

I agree Weka but as you say, easier typed than actually done

Debih you don't have to give any details. First you need to get it back, so 'I really have to have it it by Weds/Thurs/whatever, and will collect it'. I can see even that might prove difficult
Then next time she asks you've already lent it to someone else.

Or if she asks straight away when she can have it back again, she can't because of either the girls' multiple sleepovers, or the friend borrowing it for someone who's staying for 3 months or so

[Workingman]

Why not simply tell her the truth; that you do not mind her borrowing it, but that it is yours and you would like it back straight away?

[debih]

I have asked her if I can borrow her single self inflating mattress for L for her school sleepover on Friday night - I want to pick that up before Wednesday so will make sure I get all my stuff back at the same time.

Maybe I should hang onto the single mattress for months on end!

[debih]

Why not simply tell her the truth; that you do not mind her borrowing it, but that it is yours and you would like it back straight away?

That would be by far the easiest wouldn't it WM. But if I say that I know that she will keep coming to borrow it every other week when her friends and family come over to see her and it will just end up by not coming back here again.

Nice to "see" you by the way.

[Workingman]

Nice to "see" you by the way.

Thank you.

The thing is that if she comes back very soon after returning wanting to borrow it again you can tell her that the girls are using it for a sleepover. If she has to make other arrangements a few times she might get to looking for one for herself..... Argos have them. Drop a catalogue in for her to browse.

[Weka]

I got mine from Argos about 9 years ago, it's brilliant, even if it does need an adaptor plug now. From memory it was pretty cheep too.

[saundra]

Just say you need it back its. Yours

[JoM]

And I have learnt my lesson - I rarely lend anything now.

That's a lesson I've learned the hard way too

[Kaz]

Sounds like you've had all the good advice already Deb, but blimey what a nerve!