I talk a good game

[hedgehog39]

So as I'm pulling out of the parking lot at old towne and stop at a red light, across the street from a bank (1). A man approached me as I was waiting. He claimed to be in some sort of trouble that I think involved a flat tire. He swore up and down that he wasn't trying to pull any scam, didn't want any money, that his wife was in the bus stop

Comments

[georgy]

Well, I think that with compassion comes judgment. I think you (wisely) executed judgment that assessed the situation and saw it to be somewhat suspect. I wouldn't necessarily take that to mean that you are suddenly some uncompassionate jerk. Even the deepest compassion has a line -- the endangering of one's own safety, sanity, health etc.

[jr_psykira]

I feel for you.

Living in Boston, I have had that crisis of sympathy vs apathy at least once a week for the past ten years, and the longer I'm in the city, the less I want to speak to the random peoples the populate the area. When walking in public, I'm usually sizing people up by what they appear to want simply so I can avoid them.

Rarely, do I even give change to a beggar, but often do I feel guilty about not giving. The reality is we can't give shelter to every homeless person, a hand out to every beggar, nor food to every hungry mouth... and then survive on our own. I'm not saying don't give at all, but give when you feel comfortable to do so. If your gut says this guy doesn't seem right, your gut was probably right, and he was probably running a scam.

If you still feel bad about it, give to a charity that you know isn't a scam. Don't let your conscience eat at you until you become easy prey to the hungry coyotes.

[queenofpink77]

You're gut was right on- NEVER, EVER get into a car with someone you don't know. Doesn't matter if you're driving or not!

[sharonlover]

I pass up people who need help all the time for the same reasons. things don't always add up right.

That guy walking away from his car with a gas can...sure I'll stop and give a lift there and back.

Accident happen in front of me - damn straight i'll stop and see what I can do whether helping the victims or directing traffic while we wait 30 minutes for the cops to come.

But when someone with multiple options comes up to you like that, it does seem suspicous and I myself generally turn these people away. And while I feel bad for them and question why I didn't stop to help, I also have to be vigilant because people are not who they always seem.

While it's a possibility this guy was indeed in need of help and his suspicious actions could just be caused by the stress and inablity to react to a situation appropriately (I'm still surprised how many people can't think straight in a situation such as that), you did the right thing. ^_^

[middle_sis]

Ummm... I'm going to have to go with the general trend here.

I like generosity. I like being kind.

I also like you in one piece...

... not multiple pieces all over the news.

:)