3 ms·
Well you can sidestep the issue slightly. Ask what do they need the money for? If they are hungry buy them a meal at a local cafe then buy some dry food (like c
by rb2e 12y ago
Well you can sidestep the issue slightly. Ask what do they need the money for? If they are hungry buy them a meal at a local cafe then buy some dry food (like crackers), canned meat such as spam that can be kept in a tin till needed and UHT Milk (milk in a cartoon that doesn't need to be refrigerated till opened. Don't forget some bottle water, also low alcoholic beer may be a subtle alternative if they don't have access to a clean drinking water supply within reason (In ye olde days, drinking beer was common during the day as drinking water was often polluted) [1]. Also vitamins and supplements too.
If they need money for the Bus or Train to get home, then buy it for them. Get a taxi (you hail/pick it not them) to the train or bus station (don't walk there in case its a setup and you get robbed on the way and don't use your own car)
However, everyone has a story. For every person who is desperate and needs money, they are others who abuse peoples kind genorisity. They may use the money to buy Crack or Heroin or they made need it to buy their baby some food. You simply don't know.
[1] http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14208/1/The-History-of-Beer.html http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14208/1/The-History-of-B...
- station909 12y agoGood idea. What do you think I can do when I'm on a train and there is nothing I can do but to give money? That where I get to hear most of the touchy stories.
- rb2e 12y agoEveryone has a story. It might be you another time so be respectful but if required be polite but firm and refuse. If its a train they will move on to the next person/carriage. If they are telling you a story, then take the lead and ask them questions. Such as they want to go home, well tell me about home. Your parents, your brothers or sisters. The cute girl in the coffee shop who you went to school with. Tell me about them. Look for consistency in the story but you have to use your gut. In my opinion, you are better off buying them the meal and food or the ticket yourself at the next stop. Never give cash.
- station909 12y agoI'm not sure I'll have the courage to speak. For example, one lady claims that her daughter got injured in a terrorist attack and for years now she is undergoing expensive medical treatments. I see this lady pretty often on the train. No way I'm going to ask her about her life.