Should I ask my neighbor for gas back?

We recently moved into a new neighborhood. The next door neighbor came and borrowed a small amount of gasoline for his lawnmower from my wife. No big deal. A week or so later he comes up to me and says, “Give me some gas so I can mow somebody’s lawn down the street.” I gave him a tank full. Now we see him going up and down the street mowing all kinds of people’s lawns and he has never offered to pay back what he borrowed. The only thing I’ve heard from him since is, “I’m going to mow your yard too!”. I just said, “No thanks.” and went back in the house. Should I just forget about this whole thing or should I go over and ask him for some gas back? We secretly call him “Enis”.. he kind of looks like a Neanderthal man.

Answer #1

I would let it slide, but in the future - wave/be friendly - loan him nothing.

Answer #2

Why would you give him the gas the second time when he asked for it so rudely? And then you gave him a full tank!! He sees you as an easy mark. The guy sounds like a real jerk. All that said, you still have to be neighbors. If not getting the gas returned is really bothering you, I would go to his house with your mower (empty) and ask if he could spare some gas. If he gives it to you, great, if he does not any to give, at least you tried to get it back, and I would mark this as a lesson learned. I would NEVER lend him ANYTHING again and I would be polite about it (you are neighbors). And I would NEVER LET HIM MOW YOUR LAWN..you will owe him forever!!GOOD LUCK

Answer #3

It’s too late now, but “WHY” did you give him a tankful? I would have said Sorry, just have enough for my own lawn, or you could have said, didn’t my wife just give you gas last week? You should have purchased some by now. I guess you might say, that was a lesson well learned. And he does sound strange, I would definately steer clear of him.

Answer #4

LOL YEAH WHY WOULD U GIVE HIM SOME GAS THE 2ND TIME? U SHOULD JUST FORGET ABOUT IT, AND IF HE COMES BACK AND ASKED FOR SOMTHING ELS JUST SAY,,, “SORRY MAN, I DONT HAVE ANY…OR IT”

Answer #5

Sue, The guy is stuffing his wallet. He charges the other neighbors plenty. He is very agressive… intimidating… and even scary. We’re not paranoid, but we are avoidng this dude like the plague. He can mow all the lawns he likes and if people want to pay him… fine… but I think he has some mental problems. Hopefully, he is harmless. If he ever asks again… I’m out of gas and everything else… sorry buddy. I hate to be that way, but the more we find out… the more we feel the need to distance ourselves. Thank you for the concern and… mow your grass and then hide your gas!

Answer #6

Dear drippyrecords1, He offered to mow your lawn and you said no…it sounds like he has a bigger heart than he does a wallet. Give him the benifit of the doubt that he was mowing the lawns to be a nice guy. The next time he asks for gas simply state that you only have enough to do your own lawn. I would not ask him to repay you for the gas he has borrowed…after all you got one good lesson out of it all. Sue…good luck

More Like This
Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Surrey Gas

Heating services, Boiler maintenance, Home care services

Advisor

Scott Findlay Gas Heating & P...

Gas Heating, Plumbing, Engineers

Advisor

Homeglow Gas Services

HVAC Services, Heating Contractor, Plumbing

Advisor

Ned's Plumbing & Gas

Plumbing services, Gas services

Advisor

The Duchy Gas Team

Plumbing Services, Boiler Services, Emergency Plumbers