Survey: who thinks I'm a sucker?!
Question: There's a guy who wanders the streets of my small town who looks to me to be homeless.
I've tried to help him on occasion, but the other residents of the town say I'm stupid for bothering.
They say that because he's a loner, he must be a pedophile or something. I'm not sure I agree.
And I mean, everyone tells me that.
I'm American and I live in Italy and they say I'm a sucker and that I'm too soft because I'm not from around here.
What do you think?
Answers: There's a guy who wanders the streets of my small town who looks to me to be homeless.
I've tried to help him on occasion, but the other residents of the town say I'm stupid for bothering.
They say that because he's a loner, he must be a pedophile or something. I'm not sure I agree.
And I mean, everyone tells me that.
I'm American and I live in Italy and they say I'm a sucker and that I'm too soft because I'm not from around here.
What do you think?
You are doing the right thing, but not necessarily the smart thing. I would continue to do what you can for the guy, but don't allow him to take advantage of your kindness.
It's my opinion that most of the "homeless" remain in that condition as long as they wish to and when they no longer wish to then they find a home.
hmm....more of a blower i'd say
italians can be pretty harsh on americans (just like the rest of the world), but its all in good fun
i think they're the suckers
no you are not a sucker...i think that u are a compassionate person
Theres nothing wrong with trying to help someone else. Maybe if a few more people tried it the world wouldnt be in such a mess.
no..
I think those people that are telling you that are probably older than you, and have had a lot of experience with people like that homeless man. However, most of their experiences have probably been bad. Therefore, they find it hard to remember those few that were really, truly in trouble and just needed someone to be nice to them.
You can try to help him, but just be very, very careful. You can never really tell if the person is being legitimate or truthful - its really a case by case situation.
If he wanted help, he'd let you. You said you tried meaning he didn't want any.
You have good intentions. Maybe those that criticize you don't have a clue. I've never let that stop me.
Maybe they don't make homelss people in Europre like they do in the US. If I'm unsure about something, I always listen to the natives.
No, I think you're doing the right thing. Everyone is entitles to their own opinion, but I think they are a bit too quick to judge him. There are different situations to consider--just because he doesn't have his life together is no reason for them to assume he is a pedophile, and there are lots of perfectly nice, deserving people in the same position as he is. The truth is, you are more open and understanding than they are, but that doesn't make you a sucker.