Three cans were out. One for garden clippings, one for recylcing and one for other household garbage. She was digging through the recycle can. It really bothered me, even to the point of feeling violated. It just doesn't seem right.
2006-09-19 16:12:55 · 15 answers · asked by sunnyca 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I know someone I used to work with...When she was very young, her family for some reason didn't feed her, so she went through garbage cans just to get something to eat & to SURVIVE. Occasionally someone would give her some food. Later
she became a prostitute to SURVIVE...not a street walker, not living in a 'house of ill repute' but going to them when a man called her because they gave her money she needed to SURVIVE. She is still very young...early twenties. I know her well...she is a really lovely girl who is getting her life on track through the health agencies...she also has a great faith in God. When you are desperate you do desperate things.
I don't see her much now, but I have learned so much from her...how to cook good ole fashion country cooking...that Clorox will clean just about anything...that I really should keep my floors & carpets spotless...that she knows better than I do what type of vacuum cleaner is best for me (saying "You're kinda clumsy you know"...I just laughed & then she said "I am too" to try to make sure she had not hurt my feelings). When I first met her I thought "HOW am I going to help this person?" But as I got to know her I found out she is a really delightful young person...with not one penny to her name. Now she is working part time & has some money of her own to spend.
I learned from her it is best not to judge a person, because you have absolutely no idea what they live through or had to live through. And perhaps with a little love & kindness you just might find the jewel that is hidden deep down inside.
As for the person going through your trash can, I would just curiously ask her why & was there something she needed & was there any way I could help. And then let your gut instinct tell you what to do. I always give a dollar or two to anyone who asks for help...knowing they just might spend it on alcohol...but knowing also that they may have children who are hungry. But what they do with it is then no longer my business...and if by chance I help someone who desperately needs it, then the rest is well worth it.
I did not mean to 'preach' a sermon, but I really wanted to share this. Maybe it will help just one person...somewhere...sometime.
2006-09-19 17:12:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My first thought would have been that she was in need . I probably would have given her a few dollars , or offered her something to eat .
We never know what someone is going through , and I guess I have learned to think how can I help before any thing else .
I myself have a very hard life , abuse , getting preganant at 16 &
18. I have very little education, I had to work to feed my kids . However today I have a roof over my head and food to eat , a good husband now , and my kids grew up to be good people .
Going through all the hardships, I did manage to come out on the other end a very understanding , giving person .
So like I said I ask what can I do to help first !
2006-09-19 23:54:45 · answer #2 · answered by Geedebb 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just be glad you have enough things that you can throw some out. She was probably trying to find some things she could sell as she needed the money. Don't be so harsh toward her, be thankful, as it could be you digging through the garbage if you were in her situation . By the way, once it is at the curb it is fair game and becomes public domain.
2006-09-19 23:17:50 · answer #3 · answered by chynna30_2000 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ask her what she was doing. If all she wanted was the cans, perhaps you could set those aside for her and then she wouldn't have to dig through your garbage. Some people actually count on the income from recycling, and aren't afraid to do what they have to to take care of themselves. If she was digging through your garbage, it could be that she was hungry.
I can understand whay you wouldn't want someone diggin in your garbage. Just ask her what she is doing. If it's the cans she wants, help her out.
2006-09-20 00:06:50 · answer #4 · answered by desertrat 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are worried about her digging through your trash[ which in the US is not yours once you put it out] Have some compassion! Put your cans in a separate bag next to the trash. That way you don't have to worry she may find something she shouldn't and she can move on to the next one faster! I know it takes an extra minute or two but just think KARMA!
2006-09-20 07:10:30 · answer #5 · answered by Star of Florida 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Personally I tear up everything which goes into my trash. I'll probably fold it in half and then tear it four or even five times, The pieces are like postage stamps which I then mix together with other documents I've ripped up. I'll probably drop the stinky cat litter, or used tampons in with them as well. So if anyone wants to go through that lot they are welcome!
Items like clothes, I cut or tear, shoes I'd cut or break the heels off, and other personal things like combs or toothbrushes, snap or break them in some way so they can't be used by someone else.
So, I wouldn't really care if people went through my trash. They are welcome to recyle the scraps if they want to. I'd probably have said to her, it's OK but don't make a mess.
2006-09-20 08:41:22 · answer #6 · answered by Tammi J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nowadays you have to be more cautious about letting people dig through your waste. They could be looking for old bills, credit card offers, anything with personal info on it. Don't be fooled by the person's clothes and looks; they could look like a beggar and live like a king off people's stuff they find.
I think I would've asked if I could help with anything, and then offered my cans, assuming that's what she was digging for.... Then pray.
2006-09-19 23:20:10 · answer #7 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That is wierd.
Next time you throw it out put a note on the top of the garbage for her.
2006-09-19 23:16:22 · answer #8 · answered by Windseeker_1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It isn't right. It's your property, and the garbage can belongs to you. She has NO right to be digging through your belongings. I understand why you are angry, you have a right to be.
Do you know her? Sounds like you need to talk with her. You could be nasty by going to her house with a trash can full of trash and ask her if she wants to dig through it.
Some people have to respect.
2006-09-19 23:16:23 · answer #9 · answered by NecropolisXR 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The cans, the garbage and the property they sit on are yours. You don't let strangers loiter on your property. Tell her to drift or you'll call the cops.
2006-09-19 23:25:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋