Did I do the right thing?

Question

I was waiting for the bus today, and while waiting, I had just returned from selling back some of my college textbooks, and I was in a hurry and just shoved the money in my pocket all wadded up. Well, I was waiting for the bus at a park downtown, and had grabbed a soda and a hot dog from a local vendor in the park. A homeless man came up to me and asked if I could spare some money for him and his wife to get something to eat. I reached into my pocket, (knowing how much a hot dog and soda cost) and gave the man $5.00. He asked if I could spare a couple dollars MORE, (he saw how much money I had in my pocket and that I went through it to find a 5 dollar bill). He thanked me and told me that I would be rewarded and it would come back to me (karma) and that he would introduce me to his wife. He came back with his wife and introduced her to me. He then asked AGAIN for more money. I got irriated and said "hey, have you ever heard the term don't look a gift horse in the mouth?" (more)

And I was like "I didnt' even HAVE to give you a DOLLAR , much less FIVE. You have some audacity to be in your situation and NOT be grateful." Then he got upset and said a few mean things to me and walked off. As he was walking away, I also said "oh and by the way, God helps those who are willing to help themselves too" So..was I rude, or did I do the right thing?

I wasn't "flashing my money around". I didn't pull it out of my pocket until he asked. It was then that I realized as I was reaching INTO my pocket that I had put my refund money in there, ALL of it, because I was in a hurry, and I wasnt' able to just pull out a 5 dollar bill without pulling it ALL out to go through it. I didn't want to just reach in a pull out a bill and give it to him. It could have been a 1, 5, 10 , 20, or even a 50 in my pocket at the time.

Answer 1

You did the right thing. just try not to smartmouth them, you can't blame for trying again.

Answer 2

I use to live in philly and would never give any of them any money because almost all of it goes towards drugs of some kind. But that's beside the point, I would keep a few ones in my other pocket just in case I was alone and didn't want to really deal with the guy. 5 dollars is way more than any of them ever get, so its pretty absurd that he wasn't grateful.

Answer 3

As you gave him something is not that bad, more better was if you would buy him something to eat, like a bread, not to be taken as an egoist. At more as he asked, I can tell you a saying about that from my country: "You gave him an thinger and he take all your hand". As giving money to the bagers, you just encourage them to continue like that. You should told him, "try from others, not to ask you for more , because that is all you afford to spare from you, as you have your own problems". Also I must recognize him did not bag the hand in your pocket and that is a point for him. Threat him with respect as with other people, but you do not encourage this lifestyle. Other time I advise you to refuse someone like that. Anyhow is not a hole in your income a 10 dollars sum.

Answer 4

I think that you did the right thing. You didn't even HAVE to give him any money and you are much more generous than I am. I know what it's like not to have a dime, and then someone asks me to spare them a buck or two, it drives me up the wall because I work my *** off at an okay job just to support myself and my daughter. The fact that he asked you for more is irritating as most people would just ignore the homeless and walk on.

Answer 5

That really bites that man acting like that. But you know, all I can say is yes, you have every right to be upset and to say something. Don't feel bad. Just don't take it out on the next person.

Hey, I once saw a guy holding a sign for money next to a McDonalds, so when I went thru the drive-thru and got him a meal, drove past and offered it to him... he told me he didn't need it! Boy I was mad then, but now I look back and think, well he probably knew better than I did eating that McDonald's crap!!! LOL!!!!

Answer 6

I would say he was really obnoxious for that, but I guess he's desperate. I wouldn't feel too badly for them, mostly they use the money for alcohol and drugs since they know they can get food elsewhere.

In the future be careful about confronting him, I've seen some people turn quite violent and nasty. Just walk away next time, if he keeps following you and harassing you, tell him you are going to phone the police and go inside a shop/building to wait for them.

Answer 7

Wow! Such an ungrateful person! He must have hurt your feelings by acting in such a greedy manner and mouthing off to you.

You certainly did a very nice thing.

It could have gone this way: give him the $5 and when he asked for more, you could have said, "Oh, OK, give me back the $5," and you could have stuck it in your pocket and said, "Now you get nothing you greedy man. Get away from me."

So, don't feel bad about it any longer.

Answer 8

Well, I think you were both wrong. He should have been grateful for the five dollars and not asked for more. It was very generous of you to give him anything. However, you should not have mouthed off at him. You don't know why he and his wife are homeless. Maybe they have tried hard but can't find employment. Maybe they have kids (that are also homeless that they have to feed). Maybe they are disabled. Maybe they are mentally ill. Maybe they are drug addicts unable to kick the habit on their own. Maybe they are just really hungry and desperate. If you are going to give money to the needy, you should do it graciously and with empathy. Nonetheless, you were very kind and generous to give them any of your money and you deserve a pat on the back for that.

Answer 9

I don't mind giving several dollars to someone, but then it can become annoying, I don't say this to be rude or anything, but where's the homeless shelters around here?, anyway sometimes ppl say things they don't mean it's a spare of the moment thing, I wouldn't worry too much about it, I'm sure he'd forgive you if you apologized?

Answer 10

First, pat yourself on the back for giving him the original five dollars. That was kind and compassionate.

Don't beat yourself up about the reaction that came after he "harrassed" you for more money.

Regardless of what occurred later, you were just overwhelmed by the situation. You still did a good deed...

Answer 11

I always give what i can spare even if I know it is going to drugs or alcohol. Giving is about me as well as the recipient, but I have to say, even I would be turned off at such a greedy attitude. I don't expect someone to fall to the ground and kiss my feet if I help them, but this man started to disrespect you and hand you a line about Karma. That would piss me off. You considered his position and he did not consider yours. Maybe that's why he is where he is now....meaning his own karma.