I think everyone has come up with good ideas. And good practice to work on your boundaries. There is nothing wrong with asking for help to pay for gas. Gas is very expensive these days. I don't drive but I always help pay for gas, even with my boyfriend. I also can walk and meet my friends, because it's a small city or I can catch a bus or ride my bike. So to me it sounds like your friend needs to learn some boundaries and independence. Especially with the cheque problem.

I have a hard time with my boundaries too and knowing how to make them be know, and fear of sounding rude or hurting someone's feelings. But it's good to use this as an opportunity to practice that. You never know either, maybe if you assert your boundaries she will respect that more. You might even develop a closer friendship because of it. That has happened to me in the past.

Good luck Anne, I hope these strategies help.