1. Don't give more money than you can afford
Some people have a hard time balancing what they want to give versus what they actually have, Belleghem explains.
Some feel the need to sacrifice all their money to a good cause. This can be a noble endeavour, but also not a practical one. Before you give money – to a charity, religious organization, even a friend – think about whether or not you can truly afford it, Belleghem says.
It can also be tempting to lend someone a large sum of money under the assumption you will get it back. But there are no guarantees. Even smart people get duped out of their hard-earned cash.
2. Avoid lending your car to someone
Not handing over your keys may seem like a no-brainer, but many women get coerced into lending their car to a friend or boyfriend, Belleghem says. Even if you've sworn this is something you will never do, when faced with the situation, it's easy to think of it as a one-off. Especially if the person you are lending it to only needs your car for the day, or a couple of hours.
But a car is more than just a car – it's your driving record. "You are responsible for that vehicle even if you are not the one driving it," Belleghem warns. Before you lend you car to someone, think about the potential consequences – someone racking up charges on a toll road, the car parked illegally and towed, speeding or parking tickets and, at worst, getting into an accident.
3. Never lend your spouse or partner out to a single friend or co-worker who needs a date
We know, you're thinking we're crazy for even mentioning this one. Who's going to give away a loved one, you ask? What can often happen, Belleghem explains, is one half of a couple sends their partner to an event (such as a wedding or banquet) with a single friend or co-worker who needs a date. Not a good idea, Belleghem warns.
Though this may seem innocent and helpful, in Belleghem's experience as a therapist, this has led to problems, such an intimacy you don't want to encourage.
By sending your partner out with someone else, you are "putting them in a situation that is an opportunity for them to act like a couple," Belleghem explains. And though you may trust your partner, you are better off not giving them up for the evening to start with.
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