The Neighborhood

 Trust Network:

A method of sharing resources

 and

Increasing social joy

"Learning to share once again"

The following story of my own neighbor Glenn, who is about 70, illustrates why many of us have made the decision not to loan possessions to others. It also may illustrate what can happen to us morally or spiritually as a result.

When I innocently asked to borrow one of Glenn's tools he said: "I'm sorry, but no. I don't loan my possessions out."

When I hinted that I knew how to use the tool and would bring it right back, he  continued:

"I used to lend out all sorts of possessions. One time my next door neighbor, who was a nice enough guy, asked if he could borrow a circular saw. I had one, so I said "sure, just bring in back within a week".

A week passed, then two. When I saw him I asked him about it. He said he would return it the next day, but he didn't.

Another week passed, and I needed the saw for a project. I went over, knocked, and neighbor's wife answered. She said that Joe was out of town, but that she thought the saw was in the garage, and that I could go in and get it.

When I went into the garage my saw was on top of a pile of rubbish. The plug was broken, and the blade was cockeyed. I was really angry [Glenn used stronger words than this].  I had to go out and buy a new saw just to complete my own project."

I asked Glenn if he had Joe pay for the saw. He said,

"I didn't want a big argument. So I just didn't say anything about it."

and then he continued:

"I decided rather than have to have an argument, that I would just never lend my things out again. 

I was so angry at Joe that I've hardly ever spoke to him again. That was about 10 years ago."

Oddly enough, these days, Glenn spends a lot of time alone. His wife is sick and housebound. He spends most of his time either inside his house or preening his yard. He does not have a big network of friends. He complains that society has gone downhill. He mutters that some newer neighbors on the corner are lacking in character, because their yard is messy.

"Have you  met them?" I ask (knowing in myself that these new people are very community-oriented people). He replies that he has not, and goes on to repeat  that society is not what it used to be.

If we really want to know why society has gone downhill, we need to look at ourselves and our relationships to others, and if we trust them enough to lend simple possessions to them.