In Reply to: Not sure how to respond to sms........ posted by Nikkiknack on Sunday, 18. February 2007 at 10:05 Bali Time:
You have been put in a very awkward position and it is difficult for anybody else to advise you. You could end up 'piggy' in the middle of this.
I have had a similar experience and discovered that one partner did not know the other had asked for help. That caused them further problems.
Dependent upon how you feel, I suggest, if you are able to, then phone Putu. A brief call wont cost you much and you may feel better having spoken to her.
A lot of people have had bitter experiences giving money or gifts and will forever carry that baggage with them. I know of someone who was miffed because not enough gratitude was shown. The art of giving and receiving has many pitfalls. Give as you want not as you feel you should.
When you gave the money for the glasses you did it for all the right reasons, because you wanted to, and you could. It's also ok to say no. If they are genuine friends, they still will be.
SMS is great for its intended use to keep in contact, to say hi how are you blah blah. Beyond that and especially when english is not the first language proceed with caution as many people misinterpret SMS. Apart from that I love hearing my friends voices on the other end of the phone and their laughter and their smile.
Good luck Nikki, probably not much help but I hope you can resolve this without losing faith. cheers :-)