Comments on: Am I a horrible person for telling this lady to take a hike?

By: Doc

Doc — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:59 +0000

I don't think you're out of the ordinary, at all. I find myself responding the same way. Where I live, it's common to have some guy run up with a jagged squeegee and a soda bottle of muddy water, and start cleaning your windshield. Even if my windshield is filthy, I find myself resenting it, and send 'em packin'! If they walk up and ask, I'll usually respond more kindly, but still don't often take them up on it.

I have always resented unsolicited sales efforts. I consider it to be the same as SPAM, but in person.

By: zorro

zorro — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:10:10 +0000

lets have a hot drink ready for her.

By: wolf

wolf — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:22:15 +0000

@zorro

but they might come again maybe for more food?

By: wolf

wolf — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:20:57 +0000

What would you have done?

- "where´s the fire?" instead "can I help You"

- (hesistantly shakes hand)??? means "You are welcome". I never shake hands in doubt.

- "I wasn’t thinking." and "immediate response" Think before speek!

I once surprised a man in a similar situation:

- "Take this returnable bottles and don´t come again" So less work for me and an anouncement for him. (go away, collect bottles and don´t disturb my privacy again)

@zorro

"next time just offer something to eat…{but don’t offer any money}" Yess!

By: zorro

zorro — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:50:44 +0000

next time just offer something to eat…{but don't offer any money}

By: I’m A Super.com » Lori the Shovel-less Snow shoveling Gypsie came back!

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:54:54 +0000

[...] RE:Am I a horrible person for telling this lady to take a hike? [...]

By: Dave C

Dave C — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:05:44 +0000

No, you aren't a horrible person. That post about Flash cookies a few months back bought you plenty of good social karma. The woman made an attempt to sell you something, and you declined. If you can't get over the guilt of rejecting a sales pitch, you will quickly be buried in stuff you don't need and can't afford. Declining a purchase should not be confused with a desire to help the needy. Every homeless shelter I know of continuously recruits volunteers. Perhaps all of us should spend a little time volunteering for some sort of poverty relief, just so we have enough knowledge of charitable resources to have an appropriate response to personal requests from poor individuals.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:20:31 +0000

I most likely would have done the same thing.

This is going to sound really dumb, but people that are looking for money/help/work/anything need to learn a couple key points:

1) When you surprise someone, you will get their default response 99% of the time or more. In this world of overly cautious citizens, you have to approach things in a way that will give people time to knw that your legit.

2) There are many kind/good-hearted people in this world, but you have to know where to find them. Scary alleys & hurried businesses aren't the wisest choices. The beach is pretty good, but people worry about the safety of their kids. I personally recommend outside of a gymn. People just worked out, showered, changed clothes (they've slowed down), and are about to leisurly go home and relax. They've slowed enough to think about it and not just "default." Another good spot is outside a church BEFORE it starts (A- people want to look good at church, B- who isn't willing to postpone church by 3 minutes?)

I'm not reprieving myself (or anyone else) of the responsibility to help others- but I am saying that I am much more likely to help people if they catch me at the right moment (when I have time to think, and not afraid of the safety of my family, and can tell that the person is legit).