How do I politely ask a friend for gas money?

Question

I drive out of my way to get her every morning and it's been 2 weeks and she's only paid me $1 for gas...with the gas prices I can't afford to get her unless she's gonna pay me, but I don't know how do ask. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Easy.. Tell her exactly what you said here..

"By the way, gas is going up as you know and I cant afford to pick you everyday since Im going out of my way. Is it possible to chip in for gas. Then agree on a money rate wether weekly or daily. Let her know the day you get her and talk about it on the way so that next day there is no excuse.

Answer 2

Just tell her you don't mind giving her a ride but the price of gas is breaking you and as if she thinks she can chip in her share.

Answer 3

"Hey _______ , I can't afford to pick you up anymore unless you start pitching in __.__ $ for gas." If she gets offended she isn't very bright. Don't be feel uncomfortable it's a perfectly fine thing to ask, if you worry toooo much about being polite you will be less straightforward, making it more awkward.

Answer 4

Just tell her that gas is expensive and you need her to pick up her half (or whatever percentage you think is fair).  Being upfront and honest is usually the best way to go about these things.  Confrontation sucks, but it's a part of life.

Answer 5

I would tell her that you are going out of your way to pick her up every day. Tell her that with the prices of gas,  you would appreciate a little more from her for riding her every day. I'm sure she will understand.

Answer 6

This person knows she is taking advantage of you.  $1 in two weeks -- r u kidding me?  She is using you and you know this because she isn't even mentioning giving you gas money.  I once drove from Central NY to NYC and back.  The guy I was traveling with never mentioned gas $.  When we returned he gave me a $5 check for gas and then asked me not to cash it until a certain day.  I couldn't believe it.  I laughed in his face.  We traveled over 700 miles and he gave me a conditional $5.  Needless to say, I told him I didn't want the check.  He refused to take it back.  I never cashed the check and used it for many months to remind me how inconsiderate and advantage taking some people can be.   Explain to her tactfully that she must start contributing to the rich oil refineries or she'll have to find another mode of transportation!

Answer 7

Figure out how much more gas you are using by picking her up every morning and then add on a little extra for your time and figure up the price.  If it is $5.00 a week then tell her that you will have to charge her $5.00 a week if she still wants a ride. She should be well aware of the cost of gas these days and that rides aren't free. I doubt she could get a cheaper ride that would pick her up at her door. If she takes offense to this then oh well. Just tell her how it is. But give her an exact amount that she needs to pay you weekly.

Answer 8

Just state the facts to her. Tell her you cannot afford to come get her anymore, & that there is no monies in your budget for this added travelling expense. "I need your help!" Y'know something like that.

On a humorous note, you could do this. When you pick her up, just sit there w/ you two in the car. Now, rev the engine & make sure you heard it. At the same time turn to your friend & say:

"Hear that? You won't hear it if you're walking."

Answer 9

"Yo Bra. Pay me or Ur walkin"

Answer 10

ask her out to lunch & talk about the cost of gas & that you are in a bind & would like to make a firm agreement as to he chipping in more - also tell her you have maintenance, oil changes, car washes, etc...& that you might have to end the carpooling with her since it is out of your way

she will understand &  if not, is just taking advantage of you

Answer 11

You need to psyche yourself up before talking to her. Tell yourself that you need to be reimbursed or you won't be able to continue doing it. Tell her that when you talk to her.  

Answer 12

This is what I would say when she gets in your car:

"I don't think I will be able to pick you anymore?

Then she asks why and you say "I can't afford the gas money anymore. I appreciate the $1 but I don't think its going to workout". Then she will either ask how much more its going to cost; or find another ride.

I'm sorry paying you $1 for gas these days I can't help but think she is taking advantage of you. You need to stand up. If she is a good friend she will understand the situation and pay more than $1.    

Answer 13

Sally, we've been friends for a while now and I feel we can speak honestly with each other.  I am happy to go out of the way to pick you up in the mornings, but I sure would appreciate it if we could share the expenses, rather than me paying for everything.  How would you feel about contributing $_____ to our morning commute every week?

My guess is she will be happy to contribute.  If she is resistant, try to find out why.  Is she painfully short of cash? Or is she just selfish?  If she's short of cash, try to help her.  If she is being selfish, give her a deadline as to when the free rides will end.

Answer 14

"Can you throw in some on gas?"...

If they give you some and it's a lousy amount, or don't give you any (and they don't say anything like "I can give you some tomorrow/when I get paid")... don't bother picking them up any more.

Answer 15

Mention it when you pick her up next time - "Listen I really don't mind picking you up but I really need to conserve gas seeing as it's so expensive. Is there any way you can give me gas money once a week?" If she says no or she's not sure, don't pick her up anymore. But if she seems agreeable sit down and try to figure out what's a fair amount per week to ask her for. My guess would be at least enough for a gallon of gas or $5. It's not a lot but that little bit is saving her from taking a bus and you from going broke picking her up.

Answer 16

dont worry to much about her feelings  shes no dummy  shes using you  anyone with any morals knows that they should be giving you some money  just tell her  you know how much gas costs nowadays  so you got to start helping with the cost  figure out what a fair price is and tell her  dont let people use you  they loose respect for you if they can

Answer 17

tell her straight up!

Answer 18

Before you talk to her, figure out how much you want her to give you for gas.

When should you tell her? You don't want to have to endure an unpleasant car ride if she reacts badly. I wouldn't tell her right when your picking her up; best to give her some notice. But do not give her another ride unless she pays you.

Tell her that although you like her company, you can't afford to keep picking her up unless she wants to kick in some gas money. You might feel a little awkward, but she is the one who has put you in this uncomfortable situation and there is absolutely nothing wrong with asserting yourself.