Things that can be solved with money should never be solved with personal favors.

Does this sentence sound a bit cold to you? However, I believe it's a very practical principle for interpersonal relationships. Generally, things that can be solved with money should try not to incur personal favors.

Because personal favors are the hardest to repay, once you owe them, they become your eternal burden. Moreover, solving problems with money is often more direct and efficient, without so much going around in circles. So, unless absolutely necessary, it's best to solve problems that can be solved with money with money.

For example: If someone needs a ride to the airport and coincidentally, a relative has a car, even though it's not free, the combined value of the gift may be equivalent to the fare, but it seems like owing the relative a favor! It's much better to spend money to rent a Didi (Chinese ride-hailing service) or take a taxi, which is much more straightforward!