The Unwritten Rules Of Borrowing In West Texas

Borrowing something from your neighbor in West Texas is pretty common. But, out here, people don't just lend you a trailer or a tool. They hand it over with a level of trust that would make most insurance companies a tad nervy.

There are rules to this system, even if nobody has ever written them in stone.

The Rules of Borrowing in West Texas

The first rule of borrowing something, of course, is that you bring it back. It sounds obvious, but apparently it's difficult enough that it needs to be mentioned every time. The second rule is that you bring it back in AT LEAST the same condition you borrowed it in. Better yet, clean it up and make it look even better than before. Borrow someone's truck? Fill up the gas tank. Borrow a trailer? Take a little time to sweep it out. Borrow a chainsaw? Be sure to wipe off the sand (or blood) depending on what you're using it for...

The biggest rule of them all is that if you break it, you replace it. Immediately. Not next month. Not after payday. You take care of it quickly, or you'll never be borrowing anything again.

Borrowing From The Best

A strange phenomenon may also occur when you start borrowing things from folks in West Texas. You only meant to leave with a ladder, but you somehow made it home with a ladder, two ratchet straps, a drill, and a lengthy explanation of how you could improve the project you're working on.

Bonus?

Plus, half the time, the person lending something to you doesn't want to stay home. They want to come right over and help you out with it. This can work in your favor or against you, depending on the person...

But, how bad do you need that ladder? Better have them over, just in case they change their mind...

Trust = Love

Borrowing things around here isn't really about the value of the tools, trucks, or trailers. It's more about trust. If you're borrowing something from a neighbor today, chances are, they'll need a thing or two from you tomorrow.

That's how the system works. Don't screw it up!