It so totally depends on what kind of friend he is.
You're right, and so is Six in some ways. Ron will tell you Eric is the kind of friend that is constantly asking me to work on his cars, borrow my truck and return it w/ the same amount of gas or less when he took it, etc. I want to be a good friend but too often he starts his conversations with me as: "I need you to do me a favor....."
He's the type of friend that has borrowed money, paid it back late then claims he always pays his debts on time. He told me at the onset something like" Cmon Steve, you
know I'll never be late on rent, then he was late all but once. The type of friend, who has, after having his cars fixed by me for the last four years has had this converstaion w/ me:
Eric: What ya doin?
Steve: Fixing the alternator on Stacy's Saturn, what are you doing?
Eric: Nothin, I'm bored, call me when you're done.
In my mind, a good friend would have rushed over to help at the chance of retruning the many many favors I've done him.
It is a difficult decision because you have a conscience Steve
True. and I was hoping that it would be made clear to me that Eric is not entitled to any money. I asked Eric once that if Ron and I lost money, would he pay for some of our losses. He said,
"Huh, what are you talking about?"
Edit: I'm not trying to argue w/ anyone. I really appreciate everyone's input/advice.