Oy, this really is a tough issue. I'm a fairly petite woman who lives alone, downtown, in a large city, and I get hit up for cash an average of 3 - 4 times just walking a few blocks to the drugstore. I've been sworn at, followed, and propositioned for sexual favors ("how about some pussy instead?") for not giving hand-outs to the beggars who loiter outside local businesses, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't resent the hell out of not being able to go buy Gatorade and Tylenol without getting hassled for money and feeling threatened if I refuse. Honestly, I've found the best way to protect *myself* is to simply ignore them and walk past. I have no intention of shelling out 3-4 bucks every time I leave the apartment (that shit adds up plus gets me pegged as a promising target for future panhandling attempts), and if I allow a conversation to start, even just enough for me to tell them "sorry, no", it opens the door to everything from "fuck you, cunt" to "that's okay baby, I'll take your phone number instead" to "Well there's an ATM right over there" and I. Just. Can't. I'm glad your experience was a positive one, and maybe my city just has some super creepy homeless people in the downtown area, but sometimes, panhandlers really are a nuisance if not a downright menace.
Oh my. Your situation and city demographic sounds very tough. I think I would behave just as you describe in that kind of situation. It is so sad that there are so many in need but one person can't take care of them all. I think 'Safety First' might trump even the Golden Rule in your city. Thanks so much for sharing a different perspective!
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