Sympathy or Stupidity?
This week I was walking home carrying a rather hefty load of electronics and textbooks, when I was approached by a guy looking very worried indeed. Normally, I get approached by all sorts, most of which seem to have no money and require some for any number of excuses, A typical conversation goes something like this:
Beggar:Hey, I’m a backpacker from Sydney and I have no money, could you lend me a few dolalrs to help buy my some food for me/my family/my pregnant wife/my dying dog?
Myself: Why I’d be happy to help you out, but I have no cash on me, I can however buy whatever food you might need.
Beggar: But, the shop is a long way away
Myself: I have plenty of time, just tell me what we’re buying and lets go.
Beggar: Fuck off.
This suggests that perhaps the said enquirer was not being as honest as he or she could have been, it’s also a nice way of weeding out those who are genuine with those who are, to put it bluntly, hardened druggies beyond redemption.
Back to the story: The guy who approached me was not the normal type. He was clearly very very flustered, well kempt (but of a workers stature and clothing style), clearly neither drunk or drugged in any way. He explained to me that he was a flower delivery guy and his truck had broken down, he lacked the money to buy a gerry can so that he could finish his rounds and return home. He promised me that he would deposit any money that he got in my letter box by the next day.
Now, I was tired, and against my better judgement, I lent him $40, of money that I don’t really have. Needless to say, this money has not been returned. Was I stupid? Clearly he was in dire need of this money, for whatever purpose. Perhaps he put the money in the wrong box? Perhaps he has not yet had the chance to get the money back? Perhaps he was just buggering me the way everyone else manages to.
Regardless of all this, there are no gambling areas nearby, nor pubs, and as I said, he did not smell or act in any way without full control of his senses. I suspect he really did need the money, and I try to justify my loss by thinking that he needed it more than I.
Doesn’t give me back my $40 though.