We have a beer mooching situation on our hands and it needs to be addressed. One of the biggest concerns here seems to be “feelings.” We don’t want to hurt our friend’s feelings. Well, my mooched friends, you should be crying yourselves to sleep at night because beer mooching is not cool.

Don’t get me wrong, everyone deserves a good mooch sometimes; but some friends reach their mooch quota quick and action must be taken. Never picking up the bar tab is like drinking directly from your friend’s pitcher of life.

So what do you do with you friend-turned-freeloader? They mooch because they can and they’re taking advantage of your good nature. It’ s not just about saying ‘no’ or dropping your friend altogether (which is certainly an option) but about turning the tables. Turn the mooch-ee into the mooch-er. “Forget” your wallet. Receive an “emergency” phone call. Or pull the waitress aside and tell her to split the tab. Learn to be sneaky, underhanded and self-centered… then you can truly harness the power of the mooch.

Next time: Learn how to be a successful moocher!