What is the etiquette on borrowing things?

No, say you need them back by a specific date, make a point to mention the date a few times in that conversation and followup as it approaches. If she’s still blowing you off, tell her you’re stopping by at ____ time/day. If she says she won’t be home, tell her to put them on the porch/mailbox. You need them back, and you’ve waited long enough.

If you feel more comfortable, make up an excuse, sometimes I say I have someone waiting for them, like another friend, teacher, parent whatever. Adds a bit of guilt to the mix.

Make her options clear and hard to evade.
Never fails. ;)

I don’t think you’re wrong to expect her to bring them back to you, but that doesn’t mean she will. If it is important to get them back by a certain time, go get ‘em!

Lurve to you just for saying “lent” instead of “loaned.”

Augustlan is right. Etiquette won’t get you your books back. Unless you want to write them off, you should make the trip.

Since there’s always a risk in lending things, it’s best to lend only things that are yours to lend.

The correct etiquette for borrowing things is to take care of them better than if they were your own, return them when you say you will, and return them in better condition than when you borrowed them.

However, this is not necessarily what your friend is going to do. If you need these books back, you need to go get them. You can couch it in any terms you wish, from “oh, by the way, while I’m here can I get those books back?” to “I want those books back now!” but be aware that your approach may affect the quality of your friendship.

Just keep reminding her, and reminding her, and reminding her. Or just pay a visit to her house and convniently notice your books and take them home with you ;)

I would stop by the house and let her know that I was there to gather the books, since ”We need them.” Chit chat and talk small talk, and depart with books in hand.

I would give her a reminder; it may have just slipped her mind. Just say that your sister really wants her book back and ask if you can get it as soon as possible. Being rude won’t fix anything. However, if she continues to ignore your request tell her flat out that you need them back. Show up at her house, whatever it takes.

Thank you to everyone for their imput.. I’ve got the books back now.. I decided to just show up and go and get them…

Thanks to everyone!

make that input.. :S haha

Glad you got ‘em back!

I suggest you not lend anything to that particular friend again, unless you simply want it out of the house or are willing to consider it a gift.

Don’t.