They should not be reminding you at all, ever, regardless of the size of the aid. If I were being plagued by such reminders, I think I would be sorely tempted to return the cash or the item, thank them for the loan, and ask if we can close the matter now. For most, a good deed is well meant, I think, and yes, some people are hungry for credit. But for some people, the doing of a good deed is a game of one-upsmanship. And for some it is actually aggressive behavior, not even passive. Don’t be a victim.