Giving Til It Hurts

By:Johnny Jenkins

Mendy lived in a mid sized city in the southeast. She was a very conservative and reliable. Mendy was truly a creature of habit. If she found something she liked, she stuck with it. If she like a store, she shopped there all the time. If she found a restaurant she liked she would eat there as often as possible. She even found a favorite gas station and she fueled there most of the time.

She routinely used a debit card, since she did not want to carry large amounts of cash. One day she had just received her weekly paycheck. She went about her routine of shopping for food and fueling her vehicle. She decided to go to the gas station before she deposit her money in the bank.

When she drove up to the gas station, there was a man standing by the pay phone. She thought it was strange because he was not talking, he was staring at her. She did not think much of it. After she paid for her gas and came out. She instinctively looked at the phone again to see if the man was still there. He was gone, so she figured he probably just moved on. She walked toward he vehicle and the man came around the side.

He startled her and she began to get nervous. He said do not be scared, I just want to ask, you if you could spare a few dollars, so I can get something to eat. Mendy thought is that all he wants. She had a big heart and also wanted to get rid of this guy as soon as possible. She reached in her pocket and gave the guy a couple of dollars. She though that would be the end of it but it was not.

The guy told Mendy he had washed her windows while she was in the store, and she owed him for that. Mendy began to feel threatened and ask the guy to leave. He said ok after he got his money. He jumped forward and tried to take the rest of Mendys money out of her pocket. She screamed and fought to attract attention.

They both fell to the ground. The guy was shocked that a victim would fight back. He got up ran off into the wooded area near the store. Mendy called the police and reported the crime. The guy fit the description of an escaped convict. He was caught later that evening and identified by Mendy. He was sent back to jail to serve his original sentence plus added charges of escape and attempted robbery.

You must be aware of your surroundings at all times but especially at gas stations. All sorts of characters hang out at gas stations waiting for victims. They count on the fact that people in a hurry will do anything to make them leave. Its your choice whether you give someone a handout, but its not always a good idea.

Beware that the people are not always whom they claim. Their stories are not always true. They use stories about broken vehicles, children medical problems and others to get money. This is a test to see how far your generosity goes. Realize that if you make an offering they may want more even your life. The situation can quickly escalate.

If you want to give to make yourself feel better, give to churches and charity and let them help others. Do not be quick to open your purse or your wallet for every stranger that asks for a handout. It may show your vulnerability, which can lead to other violence. Also, it creates a habit which individuals become accustomed. Save yourself the headache, and give where you know you want get hurt in the process.

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Article keywords: Self defense, personal protection, safety, gas station safety, personal safety

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Johnny A. Jenkins, Distribution Director of href="http://www.repellertechnology.com"> Repeller Technology,
provides self-defense and safety products, tips and advice to fit most
situations. Make your surroundings safer for you and loved ones today
at: Repeller
Technology.