may have really messed up...

Well give the number of people in the world that are not to be trusted, better safe then sorry. Granted, I would feel bad if I had turned a person away that did have good intentions. However, I would really regret doing something that could cause me harm. It is one of those situations where you would never know and there is a chance that something might not go in a favorable manner either way.

Hi Macdingolinger, I don't think you were wrong in not inviting him to your home. Was there not a public bathroom right there in the laundrymat? Most of them do have bathrooms. I think what may have offended him was the fact that you assumed he was homeless and needy because he carried his laundry on his bike. He could very well have a job and a place to live. I was without a vehicle for a long time and I carried my laundery in a big bag slung over my back. I was vehicleless but not homeless. If I had asked someone where the bathroom was and they brought me a hotpocket and a bottle of water, well, I don't know what I'd of thought.

Personally I don't blame you for being a little leary when someone glares back at you like this as personally you can never be too cautious. If he was a homeless man and doing laundry around your apartment complex that would make me a little nervous, but then again maybe he was just visiting. Maybe he just felt too stunned you helped him and not sure what too say or ashamed of himself. Either way I think you really did more than enough and I am sure in time he would Love to thank you for it.

I would have to say with the way the world is today NO WAY did you make a bad assumption in my opinion. I know there are alot of people suffering in the world today due to the economy, no jobs, high prices of food. However, I would never let a total stranger in my house unless my significant other was home too. You always hear about people trying to help someone out and they get either robbed or worse killed. You did the right thing after all you can never be to careful in these times.

It's good to be careful. Don't feel bad because you didn't invite a stranger in your apartment. The fact that you think about this and you want to share this shows that you care about others. But it's not possible to guess if the person in front of you is a really good man.

Where was this, a place down the road from your appartment or in the building? Maybe suggesting a nearby public toilet is what I would have done, not because I made assumptions about him being homeless, but because he was a stranger to me. The days for complete trust to help out your fellow man/woman are gone; yes, we should help as and when we can and be good people, but we also need to be sensible and aware of dangers. Not letting a stranger into your appartment, regardless of how he looked or seemed to you, sounds like a sensible thing. If he were bleeding and needing help, you would have done more. You took him food and drink which was a kind and generous thing to do, which should have showed that you care. In my opinion he should have been able to appreciate that (or perhaps he did and felt embarrassed, which is why he didn't look at you later).

i will do the same if i were in your position... i won't be comfortable letting a stranger into my house especially if i am all alone... i just can't take the risk with all the bad news i read everyday on the newspaper... better be safe than sorry... take care and have a nice day...

And because lawlessness will be multiplied, the love of the many will grow cold (Matt. 24:12). Suggestion: try finding a nearby public comfort room on your next jogging exercise where you may help to point to in case another one comes along.

I am a flexible sort of guy, but I am finding it difficult to think like a woman in this case. I can appreciate your care and concern for this homeless sort, but there I must stop, because some of these types are criminal minds, just waiting to pounce. Oh yes! They are intelligent and smooth, and not in the good sense! They also have an advantage over the unsuspecting woman who is just trying to help. Only God knows whats going on inside the head of these creeps, and She hasn't said a word in more than 2000 years! In my summation just let me say- "I would have passed by on the other side!"

Caution is the best way to go. One can NEVER be to careful. You went with your instinct. I don't think you made a mistake.

It's possible but I wouldn't worry about it too much. He still should have been grateful for your kind gesture.

Yes, you are doing the right. Before helping other, you must help yourself first. We should know the way to protect ourselves from giving any chance to suffer. Of course, we should help those who need. but we should do in the proper way. In your case, I should direct him to the public bathroom and pay for him if there is any payable fee.

Well, you can never be too careful. I would have done the same thing in your situation.

I usually find its better to listen to the voice inside. The one sure thing is your here posting - had you made the other choice maybe not? Things that are ment to be are ment to be. Maybe best to find other ways to save the world that dont envolve as much risk.

First of all, he may have had some bad intentions. Thank God you didn't let him in your apartment. He may have been wanting a place to stay or a companion and even tho it was a very nice gesture you made, it probably affended him. He wanted you to think more of him and may have felt belittled which of course you would have never done intentionally. Then, who knows. I could be 100% off key.

I don't really know I know that you were probably feeling sorry for him, I know I would have too, but one thing you did do the right thing by not inviting a stranger in to your apartment!!It was nice of you to give him the water and hot pocket. Did he have the hot pocket and water with him when you saw him again?