LCpl Boiled Egg
Three word soundbite
Nope. Not after giving someone some money to "get home" only to see him the next day, in the same place, giving me the same spiel...
Yes, unfortunately this has happened to me, so since then my wallet stays in my pocket.I wouldn't have parted with my cash. In the described circumstances my cynicism wouldn't allow it.
As an aside it's not unknown for members of the public to be approached in the street and given a sob story by some stranger. Once a wallet or purse is produced an accomplice snatches it and makes off.
karma, if you've got some dosh to spare then why not, you never know and it gives a nice warm feeling as well
Now here's a First World tale! We hired a small car at an airport in France and set off down the Autoroute. At the first payage, I stuck a card in the payment machine. It was rejected. I tried a second one, ditto. We had no cash and there was nobody in the booth. There were about twenty cars stacked up behind us so I went to try and explain the situation to the driver behind us, expecting some arrogance and impatience. The driver behind turned out to be English.
" Here's five Euros, stick it in the machine and the barrier will open".
I started to ask for an address so that I could repay him......" No need, I hope you have a pleasant holiday.." and off we went, like ships in the night.
"Can I borrow £50 to buy a cup of tea?"I regularly get asked for the 'cost of a cup of tea' my normal reply is no, but ill gladly sit with you and chew the fat over a breakfast in the cafe over there... Needless to say I've yet to have a breakfast with a stranger.
I've always done this too, bought them a coffee and a sandwich etc. It is the best way. I've been assured they would run away if they weren't genuine and as everyone I've done it for gratefully took me up on my offer, I presume they were genuine.Thats not trying to scam somebody and there is a clear problem.
@buggi i won't leave somebody in distress or harm . i won't give cash but i will always offer to buy them what they are asking for the money for.
one office we worked in had a recessed doorway and there used to be 3 homeless guys sleeping there. i used to buy them a hot breakfast now and again from the little takeaway up the road, only cost a couple of quid and they were happy to have.