A question for the women of CAF: How do you handle being approached for money?

[DebChris]

I am careful to treat everyone who approaches me as a human being. I don’t pretend I don’t see anyone. It’s just rude.
…

The best protection against crime is confidence. Criminals look for easy victims, those with downcast eyes who appear preoccupied and fearful. Stand erect and walk with purpose. Be aware of your environment.
Respect breeds respect. As already mentioned I have had people thank me, even months later, because I showed them the courtesy they so seldom receive.

“There but for fortune go you or I.”

 

[DHC1Chipmunk]

In the situation you describe, I probably would have asked the gentleman whether he would like a snack, and if he said no, wished him a good evening and gone home, and if he said yes, gone home and made him something small but sustaining and brought it down to him, and then wished him a good evening and gone home.

That said, from the standpoint of personal safety I divulge that I am in pretty good physical shape and have no qualms about looking people in the eye. By that strong eye contact I am letting them know I am aware of what they look like, where they are, and what they are doing. I am not confrontational.

I think most people just don’t expect to hear, “No,” alone - without it being followed by excuses - when they ask for money. That one simple word works very well.