Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Shauna View Post
2. Roughly the same part of Glasgow, I was walking to the cinema and this guy walks up looking beaten up wearing dirty clothes holding a Coupon for McDonalds. He was asking for £1 so he could go to get some food. I refused and he looked distraught so I felt bad all day, even looked for him in the area an hour later but he was gone. Flash forward to a month later, and the guy was doing the exact same scam. Stopped us again. I was furious, and disappointed in myself for feeling bad, because everyone is a crook.
I wonder what makes you think that this is someone being "a crook", and not just someone who is still in a bad situation a month later. McDonalds gives out coupons all the time, you know.

When I was a teenager/young adult I was heavily involved in charity work; both giving money to Greenpeace/Amnesty International/A couple of local animal rights/protection groups; and also doing volunteer work. The volunteer work I did ranged from running a shop/front office for an animal rights group, to getting people to sign petitions, staging demonstrations, or collecting money for charitable organizations. When I was in university I did an internship with Amnesty International, which is still probably the highlight of my career.

When I lived in a big city and had a full time job, I gave homeless people either food or money almost every day. I don't care if it's "a scam", and they spend it on booze or whatever - once I give it to them, it's their money; and part of the "gift" I am giving them is the autonomy to make a small decision during their day. I gave small amounts of money to charity (which I would back from tax rebates), and continued to do volunteer work.

Since moving overseas, I have stopped all of my charitable donations, and become much less politically active. I have done other kinds of volunteer work, but have relinquished that this year due to working two jobs and taking on graduate school. What I can continue to do is to be polite to solicitors and the homeless - I don't have any money to give them, usually; but I can look them in the eye, apologize, and wish them good luck. I would not want to be in their position, especially knowing that almost everyone I asked for help would think I was lazy or out to rob them blind, somehow.

I tip pretty well, which is mostly due to my not wanting to do math. I think these days I am most giving to my friends; I like to surprise them with cards and small notes to let them know they are important.