Thread: Helping People

I'm curious do you stop to help people? When and why would you or wouldn't you?

This evening one of the kids and I had done some shopping and stopped at the grocery to get a couple items. I left the kiddo in the car with the radio on and went in. It's been cold and my car battery is past it's expected life and then some. When we tried to leave the battery was dead. I raised the hood and walked over and asked a man who was putting groceries into his Merc SUV if he could give me a jump. He said sorry he doesn't have cables, I said I have cables. He glanced at my 'classic' car (I do qualify for classic plates and it's in good shape) and said, " I don't want to". Feeling a bit put out I said, "Thanks, hope someday when you need help you get exactly what you've given"

I walked over to the security guy and asked if the store had a charger (some of them do) he said they didn't but he could call the AAA, well I don't have a membership and I do have a cell phone so that wasn't useful. I turned toward a man who's car was right next to where we had been conversing, he had to have heard, and he immediately scurried around and jumped into his car. So I cheerfully said F--- it, i'm not spending all night asking for a jump and the offspring and I headed across the parking lot to another nearby shopping area with a car parts store. We lugged a new battery back and then a nice man (who said he'd be happy to jump me anytime - not sure how I was supposed to take that) helped me change it - not that I can't do it myself, but he was nice enough to offer, so I accepted. We got home with melted ice cream and nice new battery.

I jump start several cars a year, usually for complete strangers. Whenever it is safe to do so I stop to see if I can help or I call the cops to let them know someone needs help. I've sat in my car as a back up for other women who are waiting for a husband or freind who is coming to help, just to be sure they are safe. So what's up with an (or two) able bodied male, in a well lighted parking lot with security, unwilling to take 2 minutes to help someone?