1. Keep in Touch Regularly

You have no reason to stop talking to the person you lent money, but they sure do — especially if you’ve lent them a large sum of money and they have no means of paying you back in the near future. With that in mind, make sure you maintain regular communication — as frequently as before, at least — so they’re constantly reminded of the debt they owe you just by seeing you or talking to you. Some people will try to avoid you in this case, but don’t let it happen. If someone seems like they’ve taken your money and run, it’s not a good sign. Continue the relationship as it was before so you can eventually get what you’re owed.

2. Don’t Pester at First

You shouldn’t lend someone money if you’re going to hound them two days later demanding that you be repaid. This is where the expectations of repayment play a large part in how you go about settling the debt. If the person to whom you lent money agrees to pay you in a week, let a week and a few days pass before reaching out and reminding them about the mutually established deadline. Going easy at first will help keep the lines of communication open.

3. Ask If the Money Solved the Problem

If too much time has passed and the borrower hasn’t brought up repayment, you have every right to bring it up. Just try to do it tactfully. With genuine concern, ask if the problem has been solved. For instance, if they needed money to pay an electric bill, ask if it’s been paid and if it’s back on track. This will not only remind the borrower about the debt and let him or her know that you haven’t forgotten, but it’ll also give you insight into whether this problem persists and if the person is capable of paying you back in a reasonable amount of time.