better to lose friendship without lending money rather than after lending...

Its really frustrating to lose friendship just for the sake of money.This has happened to me with a close friend of mine.He borrowed money from me and promised to pay it at a particular time.After the time elapsed he first asked for some more time , gradually avoided picking up my call and now he is nowhere to be seen.I am not that kinda guy to go behind and ask for the money.So now I have completely forgotten his existence itself. [b] Isn't it better to lose friendship without lending the money rather than losing friendship after lending the money?[/b]