I know it's only $15. But it's my $15, and I'd like it back.

A. L. Katz  |  03:25 PM, Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Be glad the amount in question is just $15. Bigger loans call for more drastic measures, and with much larger sums, it's smart to get the terms of the loan in writing at the beginning, just so everything's clear. With a small, casual loan like this, though, the friendship is the priority, and you can live without the fifteen bucks, if you have to. On the other hand, so can your friend. And, ahem, it's your money.

Since there's no real urgency about the debt itself, beyond not letting it disappear into the sands of time, why not call her and make plans as usual? Go to the movies, have dinner, kick a bag, whatever it is you normally do together. When it comes time to pay, or to leave, say, "Don't you still owe me fifteen bucks from kickboxing?" If she has no cash, suggest a quick trip to the ATM so that both of you can forget about it. Assuming she's just been lazy about paying you back, the two of you should be square by the end of the night.

Of course, it is possible that there's something more complicated going on-she's having budget problems, for instance, or feeling some kind of resentment toward you — that she's handling by not paying you back. If you encounter further resistance in settling this little debt, ask her if there's anything else going on. It could be worth the $15, and more, to sort out any tension and get the friendship back on track.