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

Gloria_Steeth

Pollycat said:

Gloria_Steeth said:

If you ask outright for reimbursement, when your friend hasn't offered, she might see it as a reproach and that could well strain your friendship. We don't know why she hasn't offered so perhaps a more subtle approach is required, e.g. "Could I borrow your rare Faberge egg to fill THAT BIG GAP on my mantelpiece?" Then sell it. (jk)

According to the thread title, the originator of the dilemma is considering insisting that the friend pays for the breakages.

Yes, but they'd toned it down later to "ask" (in the opening post: "should I ask her to pay" ), so (hopefully!) they realised insisting is a bit strong!

Pollycat

Nah.

It's just how MSE portrayed the dilemma in the title. 'Insist' sounds more confrontational.

primrose_penguin

I would not ask her to pay for them, she should have offered. I would have been really upset if I had broken my friend's ornaments and would have bought her some flowers if she wouldn't let me pay for them. I know it was an accident but I hope she was at least very apologetic. If you want to keep the friendship then I think you will have to forget about it, the next time you go out together just say laughingly, remember the ornaments, well  lunch is on you today. 

JayD

I am sad that your friend didn't offer to pay or replace the items she broke - that is always the right thing for anyone to do. However, if you ask her for the money, would you be able to replace them? You say you bought one abroad. So it depends what is more important to you - redressing what seems an injustice, as she didn't offer to pay or getting back the money you paid for the ornament(s). Of course, if you persuade her to pay now, you could display the money on your mantelpiece instead ...