41 points

My parents. Asked me to upend my job and life, move halfway across the country to be closer to them as they approached their elder years so I could help them out as their health is slowly declining. They’ve told me all my life they just don’t want to go to a nursing home when they got older.

So yeah, I did it. Me and my parents have issues for sure, but ultimately I love them and they always have done right by me.

I had to adjust a bit, but I work from home and am single with no kids of my own, so it wasn’t as difficult as it is for some people I’m sure. But yeah, I have never done as much for any other family member or friend, but if I were given the choice again, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

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27 points

Why couldn’t they move close to you? You had a job and life settled. They are retired and therefore far more flexible in that aspect.

There might be some factors you didn’t share of course. If I was asked the same I would help but it’s my parents who would have to move. If they are not willing then clearly that help is not needed so badly to justify such a drastic change in my life.

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6 points
*

Yeah, I understand what you mean. I lived in one of the pricier cities in the US with sky high cost of living. While my parents could afford to move there, it would be a lot more costly as far as living than where we all are currently. That and the mental/physical burden of moving at their age would be heavy for them even with hiring movers, etc.

It just worked out. My life, as of right now, is very flexible with very few responsibilities other than my job, so it was an easier decision to make than most would have given similar circumstances and choices.

I will admit I miss my friends though. I keep up via social media and the occassional jitsi meet/zoom call, text message, etc, but I do miss getting together for coffee or beer from time to time.

Anyways, thanks for asking. I hope that sheds a bit more light on it.

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3 points

It makes sense. Everyone situation is unique.

I’m dealing with some entitled person in my family so I have learnt to be defensive on this sort of requests. I’m prividing help but with the clear boundaries. I’m not going to sacrifice my life because someone wants to.

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29 points

When I was in the military I had friend ask to get married for the benefits. Healthcare is free(ish) in the US military (cause we’re far behind on the rest of the world). And she had a heart condition. Lovely as she was, she was also one of my best friend’s ex. So… Ultimately I said no, as there’s the wrong reason to get married, and then there’s THE WRONG REASON TO GET MARRIED, and this was the latter.

She moved on and married someone who had medical able to help her, and she’s been with him since, with kids and a happy life, so I feel no negative emotions from it. But I wanted to help my friend out, so initially I felt very, very conflicted.

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28 points

Parent asked me to cosign on an apartment knowing full well I know they stopped paying rent on a previous place for almost a full year while lying about it… That’s a no for me, bud.

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22 points

Had a friend borrow a large sum of money from me. Yes, I did it. Yes, I was repaid on time.

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$20k, for car debt. No.

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9 points

Woof. That doesn’t just happen overnight. That’s months of missed payments that resorted in pay it all now or we’re taking it. Good on you for saying no, you’d never see that money again

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8 points

Good on you for saying no, you’d never see that money again

They literally watched that person agree to pay that amount to somebody else and fail to do it despite legal and financial consequences. Only a fool would see that and then entire into the exact same situation, but without any sort of protection like the contract that the previous lender had. You are not speculating, you are merely stating absolute fact.

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1 point

My dear friend asked me to loan him money for a car. I can’t do it.

I co-signed on his car loan, so he used my credit but couldn’t shirk the payments or he’d be ruined further too. Worked out well.

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If they do make the payments that’s fine. IF.
Ultimately, as a cosigner it’s your debt as much as theirs.

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