Living in the Scoot Utopia

I don't know if it's because I look menacing, because word has gotten around that I don't give, or if I've just gotten better at avoiding them; but I'm rarely accosted by panhandlers downtown any more. The few times I do cross their paths there's seldom more than an exchange of hellos.

Still, I occasionally do get hit up... and when I do, I take a firm and abrasive attitude.

Earlier this evening I was pulling up alongside a building as two older men in baggy pants and dirty, oversized coats were walking by. As I parked the two stopped near my car and looked towards me, smiling. I prepared myself for the inevitable request for money as I got out of the car.

"Good evening to you sir," one of them said as I stepped out.

I sighed, bristled, and let out a acidic "Good evening, what do you need?"

"Oh, sorry," he said, taken a bit aback. "I was just wondering if you knew whether this was the building the 12-step group meets in."

Ugh. :(

I hate what aggressive panhandlers have turned me in to. I'll have to try to remember not to turn unpleasant until after the actual request for money/similac/gas/a ride is made.