A Creepy Affirmation

[Carolyn Marie]

I have a little store front office on a busy street. But we don't offer services here and rarely get public visitors. So I was a bit surprised when a young man came in out of the rain, and said his car was out of gas, and could anyone please give him a buck or two to get going again?

I don't normally give money to strangers, but he seemed sincere and in need, and I was feeling generous. So I gave him a couple of bucks, which he swore to pay back. Yeah, right, whatever.

After I gave him the cash, he thanked me profusely, addressed me as "Miss", shook my hand, and before I had a chance to object, kissed me on the cheek.

Well, at least he didn't smell bad or anything. He went merrily on his way, and hopefully won't return for a second go at my generosity.

So, um, I guess I passed, eh? I'll take an affirmation where I can get it, but that was a close encounter of the creepy kind.

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

We get those cases here in So Cal don't we!!! Turn off the sunlight, and they grow. We do have some legitimately nice folks in bad spots here though too, so at least this one was nice in a creepy way.

[Guest Krisina]

Yes I'd say that is affirmation that you passed too. I wonder if he went on to the business nearby and asked for gas money. Yes it's a good thing he didn't smell too.

Krisina

[Sally]

Quite possibly a true story and he was genuinely pleased that you had given him the money, probably others had not - seeing you as a generous and caring lady he overstepped personal boundaries to express his gratitude.

I would choose to think of it that way because then it is just sweet and not at all creepy.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Krisina]

I like the way Sally looks at it.

It reminds me of the song I heard in a Monty Python Movie or Brazil I think.

Always look on the bright side life.

Krisina

[Guest John Chiv]

Carolyn,

Strange men that don't smell bad kissing my friend Carolyn. Not exactly the kind of post that makes me want to jump up and down for joy. Well at least he didn't hug you too close. I am glad you got the affirmation and it was very nice of you to help him out. And the fact that you helped him when it was raining and he didn't probably expect it must have surprised him.

You are a very kind lady.

John

[Guest Mia J]

I like the way Sally looks at it.

It reminds me of the song I heard in a Monty Python Movie or Brazil I think.

Always look on the bright side life.

Krisina

Life of Brian.......

Cross scene at the end of the movie.

How generous of you Carolyn. I usually do not indulge others like that but there are times when someone strikes you in a way that you just want to help them out.

Mia

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Not a bad trade for two bucks, Hon.......

I've got my purse.....I'll be standing down by the street.....

Dee Jay

[Guest ChloëC]

Years ago, I had taken one of my daughters (about age 5) to ballet class held at a little wooden building, reminiscent of an old church, near the edge of town, but also near an expressway exit. At one time it had been the wife's version of a Masonic hall, and had the word 'Lodge' in it's title. At the moment, the building held the young female dance instructor (about 25), me (in male mode of course), and a dozen 5 year old girls. This was about 25 years ago and it's in mid-Michigan and a former sleepy little farming community (more or less). And right in the middle of class in walks a large man about 50% or more bigger than me, from, ahem, Detroit, and I go right over to him by the door, and he says he's out of gas and doesn't have any cash and is a lodge brother....Okaaaaay. There's a gas station down the street, no phone in the building and this is before cell phones. I gave him $5 or $10, he said he'd pay me back, and I held the door and wished him a good day. I guess it's probably a good thing I was there.

We do what we can, make decisions as best we can, and hope for the best. Hopefully, Carolyn, he will take it in the spirit it was given, and at least pay it forward. Anything more would no doubt be a huge delight.

Hugz

Chloë

[JJ]

Carolyn, I would bet that you have a sure instinct for people and that he was actually a nice guy in a bad spot. Giving you a kiss on the cheek was his way of saying a special thank you. Maybe you even reminded him of someone in his life. Anyway I think it was sweet. Though I understand that it was also strange and unexpected.

But no question it was an affirmation. - it doesn't surprise me at all.

I am a believer in the power of the little acts of kindness to change the world - and you may never know how your small generosity will ripple out.

Hugs

Johnny

[Guest .Christine Elizabeth.]

Perhaps he lives in a cultural area where that is proper protocol? I know that there's one, but I can't remember the culture.

[Carolyn Marie]

Perhaps he lives in a cultural area where that is proper protocol? I know that there's one, but I can't remember the culture.

You're probably right, Jo. I've heard that its a common practice in Bakersfield.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Quite possibly a true story and he was genuinely pleased that you had given him the money, probably others had not - seeing you as a generous and caring lady he overstepped personal boundaries to express his gratitude.

I would choose to think of it that way because then it is just sweet and not at all creepy.

Love ya,

Sally

Carolyn:

Yeah, I'm with Sally on this one! THAT'S affrimation! Accept it gladly! "Ya done GOOD, kiddo!" Your heart's in a good place.

[Guest Angelica Alice]

Perhaps he lives in a cultural area where that is proper protocol? I know that there's one, but I can't remember the culture.

You're probably right, Jo. I've heard that its a common practice in Bakersfield.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

What about Bakersfield, if I may ask?