Anecdotes Of GenerosityAnd Deception From My Everyday Encounters
Lending At My Own Risk
Just as I was about to shut the front door after receiving my parcel ordered online, the delivery person interrupted me, “ Excuse me, Ma’am, I needed some help. Can I borrow some money from you?”
I looked at him quizzically and he continued, “Actually my bike stopped suddenly as I was coming here and is giving me some problems. I don’t have money to get it repaired now and have deliveries lined up. I’ll return the amount to you in the evening when I come back to this locality for other deliveries.”
He appeared to be genuine! I agreed and gave him the money, expecting him to return it in the evening.
But the evening passed without him showing up, nor did he come back the next day….. My money was never returned. I couldn’t contact him either as I didn’t have his phone number.
These are the kinds of people whom you trust but they take advantage of your generosity.
However, having said that such behaviors cannot be generalized.
On the flip side, on another occasion, I took a cab home from grocery shopping. Usually, I pay the fare online through my phone upon reaching my destination. Unfortunately, that day the network was down.
Despite trying three to four times, it didn’t work. To my utter despair, I didn’t have any cash either.
The drop-off point for public vehicles is quite far off from my house. The only option was to trudge all the way home with my heavy shopping bags and return with the cash. It takes 10 minutes on one side, plus I wasn’t sure whether I had the exact cash at home and also whether the driver would agree to that.
I thought I’d take a chance, though was doubtful of him being okay with it. What if I didn’t pay him!!!
I asked him a bit hesitantly,” My mobile data is not working here, can I go home and pay you online from there”, Naturally expecting him to say `No’ just like others who had refused before.
To my surprise, I heard him say, “Alright, that’s not a problem”. I was relieved and thanked him, telling him how others had refused in a similar situation. And as a token of appreciation added some extra money while paying.
In conclusion, we are all different shades of people — just learn to accept, and be aware!
