Been caught again.

A friend asked me to make a cheap washbasin stand for them, a small little job, not much time involved.

I didn't mind, and said yes, as long as she buy the material and come and do the dirty jobs like sanding and cleaning up.

On measuring they asked for a small kitchen island as well, same sort of design, "While we are busy"

Without thinking, I agreed.

Gave them a material list.

Waited 3 weeks.

And then they came back to me, and now they have a slightly different idea.

So all of a sudden I have magically agreed to make two kitchen counters, each 10 foot long, for free.

And instead of sitting down with them and have a long conversation I did the cowardly thing.

Gave them another material list.

They came back with the wrong quantity, so had to change the design.

And in between they had a break-up, and got together again.

Pleased, no, out of pocket, yes.

Next on the agenda: How to learn to say no.

Any advice?