Dear Queenie,
I have a friend who doesn’t drive, so she depends on everyone she knows to take her to places like the bank, the doctor’s office and shopping. Once in a while she gives me gas money.
The problem I have with all this is that the driving I do for her costs a lot more than she gives me for gas, and the time she takes doing her errands. I like to get things done quickly and get on with it, but you wouldn’t believe how much time she takes doing her shopping.
Queenie, what do you suggest?—Fed up
Dear Fed up,
As often as possible make sure your friend is with you when you go to buy gas so she can see just how much it costs you, and do not be shy about asking her to help pay for it.
As for the time problem, when she asks you to take her out to run errands, tell her just how much time you have to spare and that if she takes longer than that you will just have to leave her to fend for herself.
And do not feel obliged to take her places every time she asks. Maybe if she has to call a taxi or take a bus once in a while she will learn to have more consideration for you.
