Parking lot troubles-advice please

[Whiskers]

Hi
I don't think I've ever posted on the CB before, but I was hoping for some advice/help with something that happened today. My DH and I drove into Seattle with our young boys to watch the Mariners play. I haven't been to Seattle for overy 10 years, so maybe I'm just really out of touch!
We parked a few blocks away in a parking lot. After we all got out of the car, a man approached us with Windex and rags and asked if we wanted our windows cleaned. Being rather naive I guess - we said no thanks and started to walk away. He then asked for money. The boys were getting worried so we just kept walking and then he really started to get nasty.
Really ruined the start of our afternoon. What were we supposed to do to avoid all of that? Just give him money - or agree to the window washing and then give money?
We're all upset still about it.

 

[MinnieM21]

That's really weird, I've never seen that happen in Seattle. I wouldn't have given him anything or even said a word to him. I think you did the right thing in saying no and just ignoring him. What a weirdo.

 

[Kimberle]

I've never been to Seattle. But, this type of "behaivor" happens all the time in the NYC area. A lot of these people have mental illnesses. It's best just to roll up your windows and ignor them as much as possible. You should also report it to your local police. (Not to have them arrested, but to have them find help.)

 

[caitycaity]

this happens all the time in dc as well. it was just a homeless guy, probably. i try to ignore them. sometimes they will wash your windows if you are stopped at a light anyways. not to much you can do other than ignore them.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I would say no and ignore him. However, if he gets nasty and harrasses you, pop into a nearby shop and see if they can call the police.

 

[Cindy B]

Happens in Philly too. It also happened in Cleveland.

We just ignore them.

 

[CarolA]

He was a beggar. You are lucky in someplaces they stick junke on the window and won't take it off until you pay.

Just ignore him or give him some change if you feel really guilty. (Passing by A BUNCH of street people every day has given me the ablity NOT to give them money) I do give to charities that help the homeless, but giving directly just seems to help them get drunk.

 

[monkeyboy]

I worked my way through college washing windows

 

[Abracadabra]

Good advice here. The best action is to ignore the person, walking away from them as quickly as you can. If the pursue you, duck into the nearest store and ask for help. If no stores are open or nearby, use your cell phone (hopefully you have one) to call the police or just dial 911.

As a last resort, you can stop quickly, turn, scream bloody murder and kick the guy in the groin. I recommend this only if you are being harassed/pursued and actually feel threatened. There are a few homeless people in Chicago who are mentally unstable and can get a little aggressive with their panhandling sometimes.

 

[Whiskers]

Thanks everyone. I feel much better. I knew the DIS boards would help