I’d rather they just ask for it than ask to borrow it.

If you say borrow I tend to give more than I need with the expectation you’ll return so I can make rent and shit.

If you ask for it, I just give you what I can cuz it’s mutual aid.

I get screwed with the former.

I don't loan money to my friends. I help my friends, financially if that's what's up.

We shouldn't look at friendships with a transactional gaze; but it's also smart to think about your relationship with a person who asks for a loan, because that is how they are looking at their relationship with you.