Don't you just simply hate it when...

I see no problem is saying no, even if inside me I would have say yes .. I like to help others, but I also like to help as I can, which often is not how they want/ask. Let's take your example with the mobile. I always say no. No, mean I will not give you my phone, but if you want, I will write the sms and send it .. and not because the mobile value but because of principles. You see, any stituation like this, when a complete stranger ask for a favour, there is a way to do it without jeoperdize your goods .. And also sometimes is a better option to refuse or ignore the ask ..

well sometimes, but it still depends on the favor that stranger is asking me, like for example, in your regarding a stranger borrowing your cellphone, I won't let hi/her touch my phone specially it's a well known modus operandi specially here in our place, he is likely to run a way my phone but I can still help him buy telling him/her that I'll just be the one who will send the message and just ask him/her the number and the message he wants to send. If he/she still insist that she'll just be the one to do it, then something is really fishy. In some cases, I was able to help lots of strangers like asking for directions, I even accompany them personally specially if those who asked me are older people, sometime those who ask assistance on things they carry etc.

Hi oasis, it is a bit difficult since we can hardly trust anyone these days. So far, I have never encountered such a situation although I have given it a thought before. Just to be safe, I would tell the stranger to allow me to type the text message for him/her. If she or he is really "in need" or "desperate" he.she would agree to that arrangement. If not, then I just won't help. I have the right to protect my own property.

yes of course i hate it....like if i put myself in your situation, a nice person, do something good to others, of being nice person i trust person that i dnt know especially if ask favor in me but all in my mind was just i can help....then they just take advantage my being nice.......i was been experiencing lots of nice things i do but they just take advantage in me , even used me...just cant help being nice maybe coz thats my way.....but it hurts much too so i learned to do limitations...like person can trust me but i will nah full my trust to the person especially if i feel something different...i should limit myself to the person especially i just meet..!

I have also been in this situation where I was approached by a guy at a Walmart parking lot, asking to borrow my phone to call his girlfriend. I wanted to help, but looking at the guy I did not want to. He looked more like running off with my cellphone. So, I just said no, and walked away. Normally I would have said yes. And I hate to say it but, I may have judged him by the way he looked.

Wow a stranger asking to borrow your phone, in my country cell phones is a private possession and you don't share it with anyone just like your underwear, and if someone ask to borrows it it's almost certain that he's/she's going to steal your phone. But in your case i'd say reject it, tell them to use the public phone what's the problem right.

Oh that is risky oasis_9. But I admire your kindness. I don't really talk to strangers especially now a day... There are syndicates who will pretend and ask for help and then will do something bad to you when you fall from their stories. That is scary... I prepare to say no and make excuses if that happens to me. Sorry... But you are really good!!!