This guy is a major burden and I just can't shake him

April 1, 2014 6:24 AM

Posting from my phone - I'm late for my cousin's wedding reception but there's this homeless guy who won't leave me alone. He's telling me this horrible shaggy-dog story about a trip he went on. Would it be too classist or stigmatizing to just walk away while he's still talking? Should I give him bus fare?
posted by Albert Ross to Society & Culture around (7 answers total)

Well, come on, now, maybe he's been through some shit. Have you tried offering him a drop to drink?
posted by theatro at 9:13 PM on March 31, 2014 [3 favorites]

Just bring him along to the reception. He'll get something to eat— and drink— and you'll get to hear the end of his story. Win win.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 11:41 PM on March 31, 2014

Would it be too classist or stigmatizing to just walk away while he's still talking?

As much as I admire your attempt at interclass sensitivity, I think you're overthinking this. He's not interested in you specifically; he's just looking for someone to tell his story to and you happened along. You're on your way to a wedding, so just go. He'll just stop the next person, or the next one after that. I bet he stops one in three people, all day every day.
posted by Elsa at 12:54 AM on April 1, 2014 [5 favorites]

So you miss the chicken dance, big deal. Instead of shooting the guy down, why not show him a little respect and kindness? Maybe he's got some compelling reason for reaching out.
posted by FelliniBlank at 6:17 AM on April 1, 2014

Would it be too classist or stigmatizing to just walk away while he's still talking?
Yes. Try to see the beauty within him and love him for what he is, just as God loves all of us, both great and small (even slimy sea creatures.)
posted by Redstart at 6:58 AM on April 1, 2014

You don't need to stand there like a three-year-old. Just walk on.
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:02 AM on April 1, 2014

Don't give him any money; he'll only waste it dicing with shady characters.
posted by kewb at 1:38 PM on April 1, 2014 [1 favorite]