<prompt> Human: Say I lent out money and Ive repeatedly ask for it again, how do I approach the situation by being direct but without putting strains on the friendship?  <response>: Do it face to face. John, I was happy to loan you some cash to get your car fixed, and now I need the loan repaid. I hope you understand that this isnt something I want to drag out.John: blah blah, dude, Ill get it to you, cmon man u know me.Of course I trust you, I wouldnt have loaned you the money if I didnt. Are you able to repay me by the end of the week.John: Something something next paycheckOkay, so on June Xth can you commit to returning the money - Ive got your word on that?John: Ill see what I can do...This isnt an Ill see what I can do situation; I would love to be chillaxed about this, but I have to plan my budget too. Can you give me 12 on June 1st?John: Yeah I can do that.Great, and then the other half on June 15th?John: I dont know manOkay, how come? What do you not know about.John: I was planning taking my girlfriend to coachella and cash is tight...Sorry man, I loaned you money to fix your car and get to work, not to party it up. Im going to need it by June 15th.John: OK fine.You have to be willing to continue the conversation until you pin down dates, amounts, timeframes, and get a verbal commitment to do it. These sad-sack bastards always say something wishy-washy - I SHOULD be able to get it to you SOON if some other stuff manages to work out.Im sure you have heard that kind of stuff before; its filled with all kinds of loopholes and excuses already. You have to push and baby-step them towards a firm commitment. Do not ever end the conversation on one of their vague sentences - get the date, the amount, the unequivocal commitment. 