I'm glad you got your tiller back undamaged. Have to say I wish I had more neighbors like you. I tend to do the same thing you did. So I get why you did it. I don't think your an "Idiot", rather I think you are a really nice guy that tries to treat everyone the same way you want to be treated. It's too bad there are people like your parasitic neighbor, but it's part of life. I too have been taken advantage of by being a nice guy. I think you just have to chalk it up as a learning experience and move on and forget him. Some people are just users and you have to recognize that. If we all stop giving of ourselves to our fellow man what kind of world would we be living in? Certainly not one I want to be part of. Your a good man don't let anyone tell you differently.I sent my parasite neighbor a text yesterday afternoon, asking if he was done with my tiller. He informed me that he was currently done, but has ANOTHER project he might need it for in a week or so... "But you can come get it if you need it."
...
...
I got my tiller back last night.
I checked it out. I didn't see any signs of abuse or damage. I didn't drain the gear oil, but did spin the PTO and it felt good. I hosed it off and parked it in my lower lot.
A quick note on helping, loaning, or working for neighbors. I'm totally willing to bend over backwards for my closer (both physically and relationship) neighbors. They have been great! It's been a somewhat fair exchange amongst us all. We all know each other and hang out on a regular basis. I thought this guy, from down the road, would be the same. Moving forward, if my next door neighbor needs to borrow my tiller, he'll have it, no questions asked. Because I trust him. My parasitic 'neighbor' has lost my trust in him. He might be the nicest, God fearing, family man, but I simply cannot have that type of relationship with someone with that reputation.
There has been a ton of great comments here! Thank you! I knew I messed up, but was torn morally. I am a man of my word, and when I agree to something, that something is done. This is why he was able to take my tiller. It did tear me up inside, a feeling of lending something so expensive and useful for my own property, I may never see again, all because I am a moral person. I guess I cannot let my morals get in the way of decisions like this.
Thanks again!
P.S. ya just got one more subscriber
Bill