Why does everyone act like saying no to a family favor is unforgivable?

Last month my cousin asked me to co-sign a $4,000 car loan for him, and I said no. He has a history of missing payments, and I'm still paying off my own truck from that bad deal in Phoenix 3 years ago. Everyone in my family acted like I was the villain at his birthday dinner, but I feel like I made the smart call. Has anyone else turned down a family request like this and gotten grief for it? How do you stand your ground without burning bridges?

2 comments

2 Comments

rowan9691mo agoTop Commenter

Whoa, that's a tough spot, but were they going to step up and cover the payments when he inevitably bails on you?

the_linda29d ago

Guessing you meant to reply to OP about the birthday dinner part, not that the family should cover payments. But yeah, the real issue is they treat "no" like it's a personal attack when it's just math. My brother pulled the same guilt trip when I wouldn't lend him money for a "business opportunity" that was clearly a pyramid scheme. Family talks loud at gatherings, but they sure go quiet when you ask them to put their own money where their mouth is. Standing firm gets easier each time, even if the first few dinners are awkward.