I thought I was doing a good deed, but I REALLY offended someone today...I'm sorry!
I made a quick trip to the store for a a few last minute Thanksgiving things. When I got to the register, there was a lady in front of me, paying with pennies out of a ziplock bag. Her total came to $12.73, and she was counting pennies into the cashier's hand...she was only at 8 dollars and some change. It was obvious this woman was struggling...her clothes were old, ragged, and dirty, the soles of her shoes were falling off, and her face held no happiness. She broke my heart.
I tapped her shoulder and put a 10 dollar bill into her hand and discreetly whispered, "Happy Holidays". There was no one behind us, and only the cashier witnessed this. I wasn't doing it for recognition...but because I believe in paying it forward. I struggled once, too, and had a stranger help me out. I must have hurt this woman's pride or offended her greatly, because she threw the money back at me and said,"I don't need your rich white bitch money". I feel really bad...the last thing I wanted to do was to make this woman feel pitied. I just remember scraping for every last cent and it doesn't feel good. She finished counting out her pennies, grabbed her bags, and left.
I feel awful. I didn't mean to make her feel bad. And to be honest, I'm not trying to sound like a selfless saint here, either. A little part of me gave her that money because I was in a hurry and didn't want to wait while she counted out her pennies. I feel so stinkin' awful.
There's nothing I can do, I guess.
Well shame on her for treating you so rudely. Don't feel bad. She should be the one feeling bad. I understand that it might be embarassing for someone to be handed money like that, which is probably why she reacted the way she did, but you didn't do anything wrong and have nothing to feel bad about.
I've had people do similar things to me when I've offered help to them. Most times people are grateful though so I don't let it discourage me. All you can do is say "I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you" and leave it at that. Don't worry about it you still did a good thing even though she couldn't see it.
omg : ( Im sorry she treated you that way!
Just remember that not everyone is going to act that way and dont let this womans actions prevent you from doing something like that again!!!!
ADMIN FOR AUTISM, ASPERGER'S, PDD AWARENESS.
That was VERY rude of her!! You were being kind and I think it was a very nice gesture...I understand her being embarrassed about the situation she was in but there was no reason to react like that. I hope it doesn't discourage you, most people are so appreciative when people help them out. Sorry you had a bad experience :(
Quoting Arlyah:
Quoting kyco363:
I believe in paying it forward as well - and I have had a bad experience like this too. Don't beat yourself up and keep doing nice things for people. Your a good person! Keep it up.
I agree! Don't let that discourage you into not doing something good for anyone else. I'm sorry.
Check out some of the top posts today in Groups:
Ashley's Husband Made it Home From a Deployment in Iraq - And Then Tragedy Struck
- lifehappy
on Nov. 25, 2009 at 5:43 PM