"Those new homes now pay property tax too, it's a win-win for everyone!"

LAWNDALE—Old friendships can often have heartwarming reunions, but there are some calls that come with ulterior motives. For one mechanic, a recent call from a friend after 25 years turned out to be more about car troubles than catching up on lost time.

"When he called, I was genuinely excited to hear from him," said Alex, a seasoned mechanic. "But the first thing he said was, 'You know cars, right?' It was like he skipped right past the part where we catch up on life. Mechanics feel too, man."

Alex’s old friend, Steve, seemed more interested in Alex’s expertise. This wasn’t the first time Steve had called with a favor and he's not the only one. Over the past few years, these sporadic calls always led to requests for car repairs or advice. Alex soon realized that people only want him for one thing and it's disgusting. Free labor.

"I wouldn’t mind helping out once in a while," Alex continued. "But these people never pays. When they do ask for a price, they complains about it being too high. It’s frustrating because I value my time and skills. What I really want is a friend who values me!"

The situation highlights a common issue among tradespeople and skilled workers who often find their expertise taken advantage of by those who assume friendship entitles them to a free labor buffet.

"I've told plenty of people that I'd love to hang out, maybe go have mimosas for brunch or something," Alex shared wistfully. "But they never seem interested, they just want me to plug their leaks."

In the end, this dynamic leaves Alex feeling used and underappreciated. He longs for a genuine friendship where conversations start with catching up on life, not asking if he's got time for a project on Saturday.