Do your friends secretly sigh with annoyance whenever you ask to borrow something? Follow these tips to make sure you’re following borrowing etiquette, and aren’t (shudders) being uncouth.

Always ask first.

Don’t assume that you can just take something. What are you, Christopher Columbus!?

Example: You want to wear your sister’s sweater. Text and ask her first!

Bring the item back within one week, starting the day that you are able to.

Example 1: You go out of the country, borrowing a friend’s suitcase. You land back home on a Saturday. You have until the following Saturday to give the suitcase back.

Example 2: You just finished reading your friend’s book today. Give it back to them within seven days.

Give the item back in either exactly the same condition, or better.

Ask their preference if it’s a wearable item!

Example 1: You borrow a vacuum cleaner from a friend. Empty the vacuum cleaner before giving it back.

Example 2: You borrow a crock pot from a family member. Clean the crock pot before giving it back.

Example 3: You borrow your friend’s car. Fill up the car with gas before you give it back.

Show some gratitude afterwards.

Whether it’s a text or a thank you card, always say thank you when someone let’s you borrow their things.

Example: You write your neighbor a thank you card for letting you use their eggs after you ran out mid-recipe.

Return the favor when you can!

Pay it forward and let others borrow from you.

Example: You borrowed a stick of butter from your neighbor once, and now they need a lemon. Share a lemon if you have one!