There is a strange mix of relief and guilt one goes through after borrowing money. And it is easy to forget to pay back when life moves on. But someone else’s money is never just money. It is time, effort and the trade-offs they don’t tell us about. It is a piece of their them handed over to you with trust.

Sometimes, when you borrow a smaller amount, you may think the amount is meagre considering how much the lender earns. But for them, it could have meant something else. They could have used it to buy a book or a garment, a meal out with their partner or friends, or just a moment without worry. What you borrowed wasn’t lying idle. It was earmarked to be used for something later.

After they lend, they may smile and say “take your time.” They may never mention it again. But don’t mistake silence for indifference. Even if they never ask, they remember. And somewhere inside, you remember too, even if quietly.

The weight of unpaid debt does not sit in wallets. It sits in relationships. And if you’re not careful, it breaks things that once felt solid. Repaying is not just about money. It’s about respect and honouring the trust the lender had in you. It’s about keeping your word, and showing that you’re worth the trust placed in you.

When someone helps you, they don’t just give you cash. They give you dignity. They tell you, “I believe you’ll do the right thing.” Your job is to prove them right. Not for them, but for yourself.