GeniesLoki

If a friend borrows your favourite book and then gives it to her new boyfriend so he can take it to Tibet and then breaks up with him while he's in Tibet should you be angry

I only ever gift books because they never come back anyway. Anything I want to keep? You gotta read it at my place

I started buying second copies of books when I lent them if I discovered I cared about whether I got them back.

I've started doing this too. It feels pretty awful though, like being robbed. I could say no, but they tend to take that as a personal affront so I just take the loss

Hmm for me I generally don't mind sharing the books - it gives me something to talk about with the friend and generally either I liked it and want to spread it around or didn't like it and don't care if I get it back. (Not suggesting you should feel this way, just that I do)

I wonder if the following sneaky underhanded tactic would work: "Actually I'd rather keep this copy, but I can buy a copy for you to borrow if you'd like?" Bet they'll always say "No, that's OK"