# Dear Abby: Lent couple $4,200; they took a vacation instead of repaying me

> Friend ignores $4,200 debt after lending for family crisis.
- Title: Dear Abby: Lent couple $4,200; they took a vacation instead…
- Summary: Friend ignores $4,200 debt after lending for family crisis. A lender who helped a friend repay $4,200 for car repairs after her husband left the country now…
- Keywords: dear abby, lender, friend, money, vacation, repay, car, family crisis, loan, debt, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/dear-abby/2026/10/16/dearabby-today-dear-abby-couple-chooses-vacation-over-repaying-generous-friend
- Published: 2026-10-16T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dear abby, lender, friend, money, vacation, repay, car, family crisis, loan, debt, news, local
## Lender's financial help
A lender helped a friend repay $4,200 for car repairs after her husband left the country to renew his visa.
## Friend's debt situation
The friend borrowed $3,000 initially to get her car back and later $1,200 more.
## Friend's current behavior
The friend ignores the lender's texts about the $4,200 debt despite having enough money for a vacation.
## Lender's emotional struggle
The lender feels sadness over the friend's silence and wants the money back but is unsure if letting go is right.
## Abby's advice
Abby says the lender should have let it go when the money was given, as it was a gift, not a loan.
## Friend's response
The friend appreciates the lender's kindness but has not repaid the $4,200 despite being financially stable.
## Lender's dilemma
The lender questions whether to try to get the money back or accept the friend's silence.
## Friend's vacation
The friend took the kids to Florida recently, showing they have enough money for a vacation.
## Lender's emotional state
The lender is struggling with sadness over the friend's silence and the debt.
## Abby's conclusion
Abby states the lender should have let it go when the money was given, as it was a gift, not a loan.
## Key takeaway

A lender who helped a friend repay $4,200 for car repairs after her husband left the country now faces silence from the friend who took vacation instead of repaying.