Hi, It depends really on the context. Most people borrow things from friends or relatives when there is no use in buying something. It makes more sense to borrow something you need only for a short while from a friends then to buy it brand new. For example, I recently went to a Christmas Party that required me to wear a Christmas jumper. Rather than buying one, I borrowed one from a work colleague who didn't need it that day. When someone borrows something and you need it back, it is often not embarrassing to ask for it back. This is because it was borrowed under an agreement that it would be returned when the owner wanted it back or by a set date. It can be embarrassing to ask for something back when a lot of time has elapsed or when the person forgets that you lent it to them. I hope this helps. Evie