Learning From Mistakes

Growing up, one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt from my parents is to be content with what I have. My parents have always been like that, and growing up with them have made me adopt their mindset. One thing my parents would never do is to be discontended with whatever they have. If you ask me, it is one of the best ways to live life and it saves you from a lot of troubles. Now, as a young adult, I live a simple life, and I’m always content with whatever I have. I am not greedy. Just because someone have something big and flashy doesn’t mean I’d do everything I can to obtain it. That is just totally absurd.

There are always two sides to a coin, right? It is great and commendable that my parents taught me how to be content with whatever I have and not coveting what others possess. Today, I far that I may have taken it too far as I don’t know how to ask people for help. I rather make use of whatever I have than ask someone for it. The only people in my life that I'm comfortable asking for help, whether it is financially or every other aspect, are my siblings.

I don’t have any experience taking a loan. Meaning, I’ve never been in a situation to take a loan. This is not something to brag about, however, I've just stated the obvious. While I've never taken out a loan myself, I have had the misfortune of being on the other side of the equation, lending money to friends. To say the experience was unpleasant would be an understatement. My kind gesture was reciprocated with a sour taste in my mouth. Eq That experience made m realize the pitfalls of loaning people money.

MY EXPERIENCE

Mr kay and I attended the same secondary school and were best friends in junior high school. But when we hit senior high school, we drifted apart. We were still friends, but we weren't as close as before. After graduation, things changed. Mr Kay and I became closer. He'd always visit me in my brother’s gym and we'd talk while I watched him lift weights.

On a certain Sunday, and I just got back from church. The moment I stepped into my house, I got a message from Mr Kay. He sent a message saying he needed 50k. He promised to pay me back before the month runs out. My memories of that day are sharp, crystal clear, because that day was the 14th of February, my birthday. Mr Kat is a very good friend, and I had no doubts that he'd honor his words. So, I lent him the money, reminding him of the promise he made to repay me before the end of the month.

Lo and behold, the end of the month came tooling and I politely reminded him of his promise to pay my money. He assured me that he would send it the next day. Mr Kay was offline throughout that week. I reached out to him, but his numbers were off. “Mr Kay wouldn't run off with my money.” I said to myself. There were several reasons why I was certain he wouldn’t run off with my hard earned 50 thousand naira; I had a solid knowledge of his house, his parents and I were friends, and something in me just believed that Mr Kay wouldn't run off with the money.

A week later, Mr Kay finally messaged me. He came up with a dozen excuses, saying something unexpected had come and that he'd be greatgul if I could give him more time. I didn't need the money at that time, so I accepted his offer. Again, the deadline came knocking and this time, I was already fuming with anger. I called him, ready to pour out my mind. What he did surprised me. Mr Kay turned the tables around, making me feel bad for asking for my own money. “Despite how close we are, would you still treat me like a thief. Just give me a few days.” he said. We kept dragging this issue back and forth for 4 months. After the fourth month, he finally sent me the money.

Since then, I've made a vow to myself: no more lending money to anyone. People have a way of making you feel terrible about it if you give them the chance. Lesson learned!

Thanks for reading.