If the person does not ask the question...

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Do you still answer it?

 

At least once a week i get a text from someone. They say hi. I reply hi. They ask what I'm doing, i usually lie because i know what's coming. So i reply with I'm doing x. You? And without fail, i get this long story about they're trying to find a ride somewhere. I know the person wants me to offer, but i refuse.

 

Why can't they just ask the question?!

 

It's just annoying. Maybe I'm the weird one.

 

 

[Guest inoubliable]

Blech. I had a neighbor who used to do something very similar. She'd text all the time asking what I was doing and how my day went and I just KNEW what was coming next. "Can you watch Katie for me?"

 

...

 

So annoying.

[BigMamaBird]

If they don't ask, you don't offer.

[fraidycat]

Certain people, yes. Not so much anymore, but when in NC I quickly learned with of my "friends" and neighbours were actually just looking for last-minute, free babysitting. Soon, I was always booked, busy - heading out the door to do X or go to Y, or was sick or had "sick" kids.

[Guest]

I know one person like this. They are vague, so I am vague. I am learning.

[Aurelia]

I only do it for very close friends. Anyone else, if they don't ask, I'm not going to offer.

[Dandelion]

Generally, no. And certainly not in cases like what you're describing. I don't enable people who are trying to manipulate me. Good for you for not playing along.