I don't think lending money blindly is a part of friendship ethics in this scenario. I would have discussed with him possibility of returning it back with a promise..well could have been in writing as well.. As he requests me for money as a friend, & i lend it; i also can request for a signed blank cheque (no interest) & he should give it. - well may be for petty payments, its ok. But for amount in thousands, my middle-class mind is not aggreeing to it. What if you cannot lend genuinely, would he take it in right spirit. If I have money to spare, it doesn't mean, anyone can spend it for no genuine reason. The point here is, better to imbibe a professional & realistic approach for such big amounts along with clear sense of responsibility on either part.
Please note its better to spoil a relationship than the person itself. In this case, you spoiled both. Again, please have a long term view of the situation before taking a step.
