A matter of paintings

[The Brain]

Tell her to chill-fuck-ax.

[Jacob]

I think that you should give her the painting.  She clearly thinks you found the painting because she mentioned it to you (which seems to be true) and you knew that she was trying to get it (and maybe went home, got a scraper of some kind, and then went back to find it gone).  Sure, she was a jerk to go all emo on you, but remember that she was probably feeling disappointed and betrayed (a perfectly understandable human reaction, if not a particularly charitable or nice one) and I think her reaction forgivable.

If keeping an old and close friend (and a close friend of your wife's) isn't worth as much as getting some revenge or keeping some painting to you, then I think your reaction is less forgivable than hers.  Friends (even imperfect ones) are worth more than random paintings.

An imminently reasonable point

[Scipio]

I think that you should give her the painting.  She clearly thinks you found the painting because she mentioned it to you (which seems to be true) and you knew that she was trying to get it (and maybe went home, got a scraper of some kind, and then went back to find it gone).  Sure, she was a jerk to go all emo on you, but remember that she was probably feeling disappointed and betrayed (a perfectly understandable human reaction, if not a particularly charitable or nice one) and I think her reaction forgivable.

If keeping an old and close friend (and a close friend of your wife's) isn't worth as much as getting some revenge or keeping some painting to you, then I think your reaction is less forgivable than hers.  Friends (even imperfect ones) are worth more than random paintings.

With great age, comes great wisdom.

[crazy canuck]

In light of Grumbler's post I will amend my response.

I think you should explain to her that when she told you that she was not able to get the painting you thought she meant she was not going to get it at all.  You can apologize for any misunderstanding and offer to give her the painting.

I still think she is being a bit churlish by being upset that you obtained the painting rather than a total stranger.  But if you want to remain friends you have little option.

[Capetan Mihali]

If I were you, I'd write in to the Slate advice column and then wait for Tim to repost it here for your answer.

[mongers]

If I were you, I'd write in to the Slate advice column and then wait for Tim to repost it here for your answer.

Yeah that would probably be quicker than trying to figure out the borked quote function here.

[PDH]

If I were you, I'd write in to the Slate advice column and then wait for Tim to repost it here for your answer.

Yeah that would probably be quicker than trying to figure out the borked quote function here.

I agree

[mongers]

If I were you, I'd write in to the Slate advice column and then wait for Tim to repost it here for your answer.

Yeah that would probably be quicker than trying to figure out the borked quote function here.

I agree

[MadImmortalMan]

:nelson:Give her the painting while reminding her that she should treat her friends with more consideration and less cynicism (don't be a condescending ass about it, though).

If she doesn't give a heartfelt apology in return, you're better off with this one less friend.

Yeah.

If she's of value as a friend, she won't demand it. You can always give it over later or offer to sell it and split the earnings.

[Eddie Teach]

If I were you, I'd write in to the Slate advice column and then wait for Tim to repost it here for your answer.

Yeah that would probably be quicker than trying to figure out the borked quote function here.

I agree

[Pedrito]

Yesterday evening I went to my friend's home with the painting. She was startled, and I told her:

- I took the painting to avoid that some stranger would take it;
- I've even restored it, scraping away the plaster glued to the back of the frame;
- I was expecting a reward for my good deeds, at least in the form of an invite for dinner

I was tempted to make her wait and suffer some more days, but in the end it's Christmas time and everyone's nice, isn't it? 

L.

[Richard Hakluyt]

Well played, she must feel like shit now 

[Pedrito]

That was not my primary desire, but she deserves a bit of feeling shitty 

L.

[lustindarkness]

Is this friend hot?

[The Brain]

IMHO she has asked for a spanking.