".'Kate" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 25 Jul 2005 23:07:44 GMT, "CME" the
following was posted in blue dry erase marker:


Yeah where do you draw the line between giving someone the benefit of the
doubt, and being so guarded, you don't believe a word? So many people talk
the talk and it drives me nuts. I'm becoming quite jaded.

I think you draw it differently depending on how well and how long you
know that person. I also ask myself, "would a reasonable person ask this
of me knowing my situation?" And if it doesn't seem fair and I wouldn't
do it, I politely decline the request. Some people are moochers. They've
learned to do that 'cause it works a lot of the time... and if not, they
haven't lost anything. The person they ask might, though. It's not good
to let moochers continue to mooch. They have to learn to take care of
their own emergencies (including kids who constantly forget things). The
repercussions will usually straighten out the behavior. Letting the
repercussions happen is often a kindness to that person... saying no is
good for you and the moocher. At least, that's how I think of it.

And when I can help because I want to do something nice... I think of
the people who have done something nice for me or who I really think are
trying hard to make things better for their families.

'Kate


Yeah enabling is something I try hard to avoid, especially in my own
children. The last thing I want is for them to grow up becoming dependent,
a mother that killed them with kindness.

Christine