Yesterday evening, on my way into Seattle with my mom, she had to use the restroom. We were taking a train and there are no public bathrooms in that station (for good reason). We walked a few blocks to a nearby McDonald's and I entered inside with her.
When I realized that I had no purpose for being in the McDonald's (I quit eating that shit) I walked outside.
I was staring at the trains in the distance and I hear a soft, "Excuse me?"
I turn over my shoulder and about a step in front of the door (blocking the exit, wtf) I see an employee of that "restaurant" in the telltale blue polo. So I respond, "Yeah?"
"Do you think I could get a cigarette?"
I don't smoke cigarettes, but instead of saying that, I've amended my response to "I don't have any."
"Could I maybe get a dollar so I can get something to eat?"
Again, my now more experienced response, "I don't have any cash on me" (lie) Note: This does not exempt you, I've had people ask me to buy them things with my card.
She huffed and trudged off to ask the next available candidate, who I spotted rummaging through his bag.
A few things:
- The feelings I had started as pity. The woman sounded meek and pitiful.
- I was standing and waiting near the door, turned my head to look at her, and faced forward again after she asked for the dollar.
- My estimate was 5'5", anywhere between 260-80. Doesn't matter, fat as shit. Ambiguous age, because it can be hard to tell.
- I was willing to let the cigarette request go, but the dollar request pissed me off.
- I didn't say anything other than offer her a look of disgust, but spent the whole rest of the train ride thinking about what I should have or could have said.
I have so many questions and feel so conflicted. It's equal parts confusing and demeaning.
I'm mostly posting this for ideas on what to say next time so I can be prepared and be quicker on the draw. I subtly shitlorded with my body language, but I want to be the real deal (for people who deserve it).
(Edited for formatting/readability)
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[–] Wizardslayer 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago (edited ago)
Should have complained to management. Asking for a cigarette is one thing but to beg for money at your job? That's fucking brazen.