A few weeks ago, some business equipment was stolen from a friend's condo. In retrospect, Friend believes he may or may not have left his door unlocked when he went to work. The locks are very elaborate and there's a doorman, so sometimes he just left them unlocked. Not anymore, obviously. Friend, as before, is wracked with guilt.
Señor Dog went to replace the equipment, and that exact kind does not exist any longer. To meet the business needs, he had to upgrade. The replacement cost is about $6,500. In our new joint tax bracket (2009), the write-off is higher, probably closer to 38%, taxes and self-employment. So, the replacement cost is about $4,200.
Friend feels so guilty. The equipment is very distinctive, and it was custom. He called a few bigger pawn shops without success. If I were a pawn shop, I wouldn't be too eager to check for it, and there are hundreds of pawn shops in the city. But hey, he tried. He has also been watching Craigslist and eBay. What a sweet guy.
We've all been constantly talking about it. We've been talking through options. We've been trying to make it work. Friend is just filled with guilt. He feels bad that the business was delayed by his stupidity, and for more delay while Señor Dog waits for the replacement. Friend wants to split the difference for $2,100.
We were really conflicted on this. I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I felt bad taking from him after the robbery, like kicking him when he was down. But now, since it seems that he left his condo unlocked, it feels different. I'm thinking we should just take the $2,100 and put this behind us.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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7 comments:
It's your choice. Friendship or money. I'd pick friendship if I could afford it, and.. it was stupidity, but at least he isn't laissez-faire about it
I think the friendship would suffer more if you don't take the money - he needs to appease his guilt possibly more than you need/want the replacement cost of the equipment. Maybe tell him to take care of more urgent robbery-related expenses first, then take care of the Dogs?
I agree with Kate - let your friend make amends. He has offered several times now, and I think that it will continue to affect your relationship if he still feels guilty about costing you $4200.
If he doesn't have the money then it's different, but if he can reimburse you, you might just want to let him.
I agree that you should split the difference as he suggested and then put the whole incident behind you.
I agree that since he is offering the money it would make him feel better and ease the guilt.
It would be awful for the friendship to suffer over this.
Wow - what an awkward situation. I agree - just let him pay what he is offering and try to move on. It's just a sad situation.
If they have a condo they probably have homeowners insurance. It may be his fault for not locking doors or securing property. It is not his fault that someone took that which did not belong to them. If I were him I would probably be asking the neighbors if they noticed anyone with it. Hope it all works out though.
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