Small Favor Ledger Has Been Referred to Committee
Both parties insist no favor accounting is taking place while maintaining parallel records of impressive accuracy.
Meeting Minutes: Small Favor Ledger Committee
Meeting called by: Nobody. The committee has no convener.
Attendees: Two. Neither acknowledges the committee's existence.
Agenda: Unstated.
Background:
Over the past several months, a series of small favors has been exchanged between two individuals. The favors are modest: a ride offered, a lunch covered, a task done while the other was unavailable, a recommendation made.
Neither individual keeps a written ledger. Both individuals maintain an accurate mental record.
The governing rule applies: any small favor ledger involving two people must preserve the appearance that neither person is keeping score. The preservation of this appearance is the primary activity of both parties.
Item 1: Current Ledger State
Party A believes the ledger currently favors them by approximately one to two items. Party B believes the ledger is roughly balanced, possibly slightly in A's favor. Both parties would describe the favors as "not a big deal." Both parties can recite each item from memory in the correct sequence with correct dates.
This information has not been shared.
Item 2: Anticipated Next Favor
Both parties are aware a situation is approaching in which one of them will need to ask for something. Both parties are independently planning how to frame this request in a way that does not explicitly reference the ledger.
The framing options currently under consideration by Party A are: casual mention only, preceded by a coffee invitation, positioned as "I know this is a lot to ask."
The framing options under consideration by Party B are: not yet planned but being considered.
Item 3: The No-Rush Protocol
When money is involved, both parties invoke the no-rush protocol. This protocol states that repayment is not urgent and the other person should "not worry about it." Under the no-rush protocol, repayment remains expected. The timeline is approximately two to three social encounters.
Next meeting: Not scheduled. The committee will reconvene implicitly.