Depend on the Kindness of Strangers

"You can always depend on the kindness of strangers"

Well. I proved that one wrong! Don't depend on the kindness of strangers, especially if it's me.

I feel awful. As I started my car to go to the coffee shop (where I now am) before heading (in an hour) to pick up gnome in Dallas, a woman walked up to my open window and said hello.

Her: "Could you please give me a ride if you're going my way? I'll pay you."

Me: ""

Her: "I'm trying to get to (street x) and (street y), are you going that way?"

Me: "No, I'm going in the opposite direction... but it's not too far out of the way... "

Her: "I'll pay you. I just need to get there and.. "

Me: ""

Her: "I'll pay you."

Me: "Oh I don't need the money... "

Her: (realizes I'm hesitating because I'm scared) "Ok babe" (walks away looking offended)

I'm sure she was harmless. The silence was struggle. An invite was on the tip of my tongue, but holding me back was the thought that is beaten into us growing up, that you don't talk to strangers and you definitely don't let them in your car! I wanted more than anything to help her and invite her in, but I just couldn't bring myself to say it.

Last time someone asked me for help near my complex, I was taken advantage of (they lied so that I'd give them a few $) and the second I found out I was lied to, I felt terrible. I don't make more $ than the others in my neighborhood, but I am better off in that I don't have to fear destitution and my job requires zero physical labor.

Anyway, this post isn't making me feel any better. I should have given her a ride. What could have possibly happened? And if something does happen 1% of the time that I help out someone like her, who cares? I acted according to the worst case outcome. Kinda like buying a 5000 sq ft house, for the once a decade party you'll throw.