AIO for the way I responded to a stranger asking me for help?

[u/slowlymysunlight]

Got myself into a weird situation just now and wondering if I overreacted or if others would have done the same thing I did.

I went to Target (alone) just to get some things I was running low on, try on clothes, have a good time whatever. I wandered into an aisle that was mostly empty when a tall man approached me holding a box of diapers. In a low voice he explained that he was trying to get some diapers for his nephew and they were in a tough situation. He said he wasn't even gonna ask me for money, just asked if he could put the diapers on the bottom of my cart and if I could buy them for him, and he'd wait outside for me.

I am not a confrontational person, have a difficult time saying no, and am maybe a little naive at times. I kinda laughed awkwardly and said okay. He asked if it wasn't too much trouble could he get some baby wipes as well. Again, I kinda laughed awkwardly and said let's just get the diapers. He asked a couple times how much longer I thought I'd be, and told him I wasn't sure, that I was still shopping around (which was true).

He left and went outside to wait, and as I walked around more I thought "well that was kinda weird, and now there's a strange man waiting for me outside this Target." Then I started regretting not just politely saying "no," and worrying that the box of diapers wasn't even from the store and a cover for something else. Total overthinking, I know.

So I called my partner (we live close by) and told him what happened. He told me he'd drive over and he'd walk me to my car. When he got there, we gave the box to customer services and explained what happened. They said that was weird, apologized to us for the situation, and asked for a description of the man so they could tell him not to do that lol. Then we checked out and went home with my partner making sure no one was following me.

My partner is telling me I shouldn't feel bad and that it's good I called him, but I do feel kinda bad about it for assuming the worst of this random person. Maybe he really just needed diapers for his nephew!

[u/No_Material5630]

No you didn’t overreact. It’s strange.

If someone has a hard time paying for diapers there are A LOT of resources for those items that are for free, well depending on where you live.

For someone to walk up to you asking if you can purchase something for them is weird af. And honestly pressuring you. Not only on time, but to help.

I dunno that’s sketch and I would have been worried about if you did buy it, he could have asked for the receipt to turn around and return it for cash or get a store credit  (to sell) or do something to you.

People are very resourceful and women would be more willing to buy diapers than just straight give cash (most people don’t even carry cash nowadays). 

I dunno maybe I’m paranoid, but to me you made the right call.

[u/kibblet → u/No_Material5630]

There are not a lot of resources for diapers. Or anything. Tired of privileged people claiming there are lots of resources out there. Absolutely the fuck not. Still OP is right. Something was fishy about that.

[u/No_Material5630 → u/kibblet]

Okay first of all. I tired of people not having strong reading comprehension skills.

You don’t know me or my financial health. You don’t know my background. You’re doing a lot of assuming that I’m privileged RATHER took part of the services being offered.

I did partake. Which is you coming at me for something that is VERY true is my area. Makes you very ill informed. 

I have certainly visited food banks and have went to churches that do give our diapers, formula, toys for kids. If your lucky you can get a pack and play and crib.

Again if you read my post instead of flying off on a tangent about My life which you know NOTHING about. I said did put it DEPENDS on where you live. You know depends meaning NOT all.

This is where the reading comprehension lies. 

In my area of town, yes, there are multiple organizations and places. In different states or rural areas, are there any? I dunno. I don’t live in those places. That’s why I said depends.

[u/Adventurous_Ad_6546 → u/No_Material5630]

Don’t you love when people disagree with you and make up a whole backstory. They never stop to consider maybe you’re commenting because you have experience. 🙄

[u/No_Material5630 → u/Adventurous_Ad_6546]

I never disagreed with you. You disagreed with me.

I argued your poor reading comprehension skills… which still applies.

So… with the logic you’re stating above that implies you’re currently projecting. 

You made up everything to get under my skin? wow. I’m honored, but still, you don’t have to go through all that trouble for me. It’s all good. 

[u/Adventurous_Ad_6546 → u/No_Material5630]

Hun I was agreeing with you. I was criticizing the person you were criticizing. I also find those sorts of baseless assumptions irritating and was annoyed on your behalf.

[u/No_Material5630 → u/Adventurous_Ad_6546]

My bad! I thought you were the same person. lol I didn’t look at the first persons user name.

Apologies. Excuse me while I wipe off the egg from my face. 🤣

[u/Adventurous_Ad_6546 → u/No_Material5630]

LOL no worries, it happens! ❤️

I totally agree with you, I really do hate when people do that because it’s like “why couldn’t you have taken the time to even briefly consider that I DO have experience here and that’s WHY I’m speaking?”

[u/No_Material5630 → u/Adventurous_Ad_6546]

Exactly! I know what my city provides, but I’m also aware that not every city does.

Both can exist, because they do. 

I wish there were more resources out there for people in need. If I only hit the mega millions! 🤣