re: Experience with "Street Folk"

quote:

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If someone dressed in dirty clothing approaches me I say "no" before they even open their mouth. When they start talking I just say "no" as soon as they start.

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Thats close to one of the 3 things I have nailed down in that situation depending on my mood.

1) Before they finish talking, "I ain't got no fricken money!" :throwing arm in air:

2) When I know asking for money is imminent, I try to cut them off at the pass. "Hey bud, can I get a dollar off you? All I have is plastic." Usually takes em a second to process what just happened and then they go on their way without saying ANYTHING.

3) My favorite, make them work for it. If I'm cool giving away some cash, I usually make them do a dance for me, or something like that. I do get some blowback for this one but can always counter with "I had to do much harder work for this dollar than dance for it, you're getting a great deal." Its even better when your with friends and everyone is egging them on. "GO,GO,GO, GO!"