My friend expects me to pay her back for a gift I never asked for. Who's right?
The complainant says
A friend and I were shopping and I mentioned I liked a jumper but it was too expensive. A week later she turned up with it as a surprise, which I thought was lovely. I thanked her a lot.
A month later she texted to say money was a bit tight and asked if I could 'transfer the £65 for the jumper when you get a chance'. I was confused because I thought it was a present. I never asked her to buy it. She's now annoyed that I haven't paid.
The other side says the friend, as the complainant tells it
She says she bought it because I obviously wanted it and she thought I'd be grateful that she'd saved me the trip. She says she never said it was a gift, and she wouldn't spend £65 on a present for no occasion. She thinks I'm taking advantage.
Jury discussion (4 comments)
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If someone hands you something they bought with a surprise, it's a gift. You don't get to invoice people a month later.
Offer to give her the jumper back. If she takes it, fine. If she doesn't, it was a gift.
You said it was too expensive. She knew that. She bought it anyway and now wants the too expensive amount. Make it make sense.
I actually think this could be a genuine misunderstanding on both sides. Talk it through and maybe split it.