Money Moral Dilemma: Should I insist my friend pay for the ornaments she broke?

bambibear

I think the ships sailed. As it hasn’t been discussed yet with her, I’d let it go. If you’d approached it at the time and agreed something, it would have been better, but raising it after the event will be awkward at least. If it comes up in conversation I personally would say how much I miss the ornaments, or that I need to get around to replacing and giving her another opportunity to offer. If she doesn’t, it says something about her perspectives. It’s up to you how important your possessions versus your friendship. Personally though if I’d broken something, and being dyspraxic, it’s a strong possibility I would, I would definitely offer to replace or pay for. If the person didn’t take compensation, I’ve generally bought a small “sorry” gift.

annieshb

It seems it was a genuine accident. I would automatically have apologised and offered to replace but then again don’t know if your friend is in a position to do so.
could you make a claim against. your home insurance? 

squirrel59

Presumably she was terminally horrified when she'd knocked over the ornaments, and presumably you were effusive in your ‘Oh, what a shame, but please don’t worry’ - the way we all are. So how exactly do you see this money-request exercise playing out? Apart from terminally embarrassing both of you, her handing over some cash, and your friendship being over, that is?
Not an MMD, just a question of what the value is you set on your friendships.

gpsgb

Marvel1 said:

Some friend! I would be offering as it broke.

Yeah, not much of a friend. Make your moves slowly away from her.

bayness

It seems most advice is similar.  
It depends on which is more important to you.  Your friend paying for your ornament or maintaining your friendship with your friend, it is doubtful you can have both.  Even if you insist they pay, they don't have to.

confusedgranny

I agree with those who have said that she was probably embarrassed at the time and not sure what to say. Then perhaps wished she'd offered but not sure if you would be offended. Maybe she is planning a Christmas gift.
I remember a bit of bad feeling with a flatmate when a solid glass paperweight was split into 2 as I picked it up to dust while she wasn't there, I didn't know what had happened to it so put it back, she thought I'd broken it and said nothing.

superbear72

Accidents happen, that’s why people have insurance, claim off home contents, take the hit for excess and keep a friendship(if you want to)

mglhouse

No. It was an accident. Claim it on your house insurance. 

thesouthernnortherner

My take on it is that the "expensive item from abroad" is going to be difficult to replace any time soon - so asking her to pay seems pretty pointless to me. It's not like she did it on purpose to deprive you of the item.
Accidents happen - could you reasonably fix it with super glue?
If I had something of that kind of monetary value, I would probably put it somewhere more secure though!! 🤷

graememartin

If they were expensive, don't you have house insurance that would cover the cost of the items? Usually they cover anything over about £100. If they were less than that, I'd suggest you just ask her for the cash.