Hi Piggysmile,

Well, in polite society, people usually make excuses (in other words lie to each other!).

In your situation, something like, "I'm still reading it" or "I've promised it to someone else." would be typical.

A bit more honest would be, "I don't usually lend my books." or "Maybe when we know each other a little better."

The polite rule is that the truth often hurts, so excuses are used instead.

Cheers, M

Hi Fuzzy,

In more serious situations I agree with you; especially if we are dealing with someone we want as a permanent friend and who maybe doesn't understand the complex ins and outs of 'etiquette'.

Cheers, M