I have a few questions I'd like to ask them, but I don't know how to talk about their "lifestlye choice" without sounding accusatory. Any advice? (it's a shame more homeless people don't have internet access, I could just ask them my questions here.)
2006-12-08 15:53:40 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The same way you should relate to everyone. Politely.
2006-12-08 16:31:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
While some people do choose to live on the streets, a lot of the men and women we'd consider bums actually have mental disorders or addictions. Unfortunatley, unless they really "do" something, they don't get the medical care they need. Homelessness usually is't a lifestyle choice. Maybe you would relate to them better by donating time at a homeless shelter. I'm sure some would tell you their stories.
2006-12-08 16:03:45 · answer #2 · answered by tsopolly 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
just start small talk, weather, bring up George W. Some homeless are actually very smart. If you earn their trust they will let you into their world.
I find most of their stories fascinating. You will be surprised how many are there by choice aka anti-govt....drop out of society. But be careful a large portion is mentally ill.
I have wanted to go in social work for that reason alone...working w/homeless and just figuring them out because they are always overlooked....or just considered a nuisance.
2006-12-08 16:02:58 · answer #3 · answered by MaryJaneD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe if you treated them like humans you might be surprised at the friendships you would make. Join the Salvos, go help a soup kitchen. You may be surprised at how good it feels to help someone. Don't ask or accuse. Get of your bum and do something about the problem.
2006-12-08 16:42:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot relate to them. Many are societal drop-outs, others are addicts, many are mentally ill.
If you want to learn, you probably wont be able to just sit a drifter down and interview him or her. Volunteer at a a place where they feed or treat them, like a soup kitchen. You will probably; get the most info from one of the people who work with them and know them.
2006-12-08 17:17:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just like any other human being with politeness
2006-12-08 16:38:09 · answer #6 · answered by Jeronimo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep away from them. They are a community on their own. They have their own network.
2006-12-09 03:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignor them!
2006-12-08 17:07:14 · answer #8 · answered by cherryfrank@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask them how you may help them but be polite
2006-12-08 16:04:25 · answer #9 · answered by edward m 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
empathy. Put yourself in their shoes / imagine yourself in that position, and it will come to you.
2006-12-08 18:16:37 · answer #10 · answered by Haveitlookedat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋