Never a lender or a borrower be...

To take a break from the trip posts for a day....

I've always wondered, when you loan someone an article of clothing, and they get complimented on it, should the wearer be obligated to mention that the outfit is not theirs? I am not sure. I think it depends on the circumstance. For example, if the item is a ball gown or cocktail dress, and is worn to a formal where the original owner is not present, then no, the lendee should not have to say anything. But, if the item was borrowed and worn out to an event where the lender is present, it is almost rude to accept compliments on the item without mentioning the item doesn't belong to them. Once I loaned a brand new dress to a friend of mine. She wore it out to a party and everyone loved it. Then I wore it to another party. Everyone said they loved it, but do I know that so-and-so has the same one? grrrr.....

Although, this brings an important point... when an article of clothing is complimented, is it the actual piece of clothing that is being complimented, or the way the wearer is wearing it? If it is the former, then the rights of the compliment definitely belong to the owner. However, if it is the later, maybe the compliment should have been "you look really great in that shirt".