The Value of a Handshake

What does a handshake mean to you?
I am not referring to the 'greetings / pleased to meet you' kind of handshake. I am talking about the "Deal" or "You Have My Word" handshake.

I grew up seeing my Father make deals on a handshake all the time, and I've always believed that my own handshake was as good, if not better than any kind of signed piece of paper.

When you enter into an agreement with someone and shake hands on it, that should be your commitment (or promise) to complete what was agreed upon ... or at least to give it your best shot. And if you realize that you cannot do it, then you must be man enough to admit it and take whatever consequences are in store for you.

Have those times changed?
Do folks no longer feel bound by their "gentleman's agreement"?
Must we always have everything "in writing" so that if one fails to meet their obligation, the other will have the necessary proof to take them to court over it?
How sad is that???

So what's my reason for this little 'rant' anyway?
Well, we have a situation that was done on a 'handshake'. Not only has the other person NOT lived up to his end of the bargain, he thinks he should get reimbursed in some way!!! WHAT???
That's the part that put me through the roof !!!

Here's what happened.
We sold some Tools to a friend on a 'handshake' agreement, at no interest and very small monthly payments. Now he uses those tools every day to earn a living at his JOB. But over the last two years, has only paid 1/4 to 1/2 of what he was supposed to be paying monthly. (and yes, he's even skipped months completely without explanation.)

Well, enough is enough, this obviously isn't going to work out, and he's proven he either can't afford the payments OR is just trying to "stiff" us ... so we told him that we are taking the tools back. (Yes, as in repo.)

And you know ...
If he were "renting" those tools from a rental company, he would probably be paying 10 times more per month.
If he had taken a "loan" out for those tools ... wow, big payments with interest there!
If he skipped payments on a house, he'd be evicted.
If he skipped payments on a car, it would be repossessed.

So how is this any different? It's not. If you don't pay for something you bought, it gets returned to the original owner.
Yet he had the nerve, after copping-out on his 'handshake',
TO ASK FOR SOME OF THE MONEY BACK?!?

Holy macaroni batman! What the hell is this world coming to?
I really thought we were dealing with a "man of his word" here ... but now it appears as though we've entered into an agreement with a crying 12 year old boy. I am so disgusted with this situation that I could just spit! You know?

Advise is welcome, but not necessary.
Am glad to have gotten that off my chest.
I've learned yet another hard 'lesson of life' in general ... and it won't happen again!

Just know that you can always trust MY handshake.
I DO still believe in them ... and their Value :))

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