If someone gives you a gift of money, and then after friendship goes bad, they now want to call it a loan, what can you do?

Question

If someone gives you a gift of money, and then after friendship goes bad, they now want to call it a loan, what can you do?

Answer

This is a fairly common occurrence. This is why when the parties intend a loan, I always suggest putting something--even a simple IOU--in writing. This could come down to a swearing contest, in which the lender has the burden of proof.