How to Politely Borrow Something

It wasn't too terribly long ago that we took a look at lending things to others — money, cars, etc. But there is another side to that equation. It's not usually possible to have a lender unless you have a borrower, and the borrower will be the topic of our discussion today.

How to politely borrow from someone

Borrowing something from someone is a very big responsibility. It's a responsibility that some of us may take too lightly, so let's look at how to be a mannerly borrower.

We borrow many different kinds of things from each other: a pen, power tools, money, books, and movies to name a few; and it's important for us to recognize the importance of each item to the person from whom we are borrowing. Some people freely loan out their DVDs and CDs but get a panicked look on their faces when someone asks to borrow a book. Others will loan their books out all day long but they can't even come close to lending money to someone. So the first tip here is that we should not take lightly the subject of borrowing something from someone. Friendships have been completely dissolved for less, so consider the reaction you might receive upon your request.

If you think it's going to cause problems in your friendship with the person you are borrowing the item from, or if you think you will need to borrow that item frequently, consider just purchasing your own.

Ask politely when borrowing something

Let's say that you have gotten to the point of asking for the item. The attitude with which you approach the transaction is crucial, as it can affect you later in the process. When making the request to borrow something, approach the situation with humility. I can't express the frustration that others feel when someone comes to them with an attitude of entitlement and asks to borrow something. It could be something they don't even want back, but the attitude might cause them to grab that item with both hands and hold on like their life depended on it. Asking with humility is a way to build trust and show the lender that you are serious about their feelings toward the transaction. You could say something like, "Joe, I hate to ask this, but I have heard a little bit about your harmonica and would like to try it out to see if I should get one. May I borrow it for a few days?" Then be ready for Joe's response.

I can't express the frustration that others feel when someone comes to them with an attitude of entitlement and asks to borrow something.

It's okay if someone refuses to let you borrow something

Joe might have just...

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