Anne in CA Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Dh and I own a small restaurant in the middle of nowhere CA. On Thursday I am taking my dd to the Reno Airport to fly back to Portland to spend the weekend with church friends at our former church's winter camp. A woman came in with a man yesterday and I must have mentioned that to them, although I do not remember doing so, because when she left the woman gave me a business card and I just now noticed that on the back she had written a request for a ride to Reno the next time I go. I think it is a a little odd that she didn't just mention she would love a ride. Maybe she couldn't in front of the man she was with??? Maybe she was just being polite and not putting me on the spot. The card shows a picture of her looking AMAZINGLY gorgeous. IRL she looks a lot older. It says she is a talent scout on the business card. I wonder is she is involved in some sort of dancing??? She mentioned that she was a massage therapist many years ago. I used to be a massage therapist and I never had a card like that, lol. Maybe she wasn't really a therapist but something else? I wonder if I should give her the ride. What if the man she is with is someone she needs to get away from? He seemed a little jumpy. If she needs to get away from him I would feel terrible about not helping. I always try to help people when I can, but I'm not sure I should be in a car with her for hours with my dd if she is going to go just to engage in some questionable activity, which the photo on her card makes me wonder about. Thoughts, anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Heck No! Mommy, I don't want to read about you in the papers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tmhearn Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Very strange! The only thing I could think of is that she didn't want to say anything in front of the man. Even if that's the case, do you want to get involved in that scenario? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 No, I would not. It seems like a strange request. If she needs help and is able to get away to get into someone's car, she should be able to get away and call the police. If she isn't in that dire a strait then she should be able to call a cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 This is one of those threads where I had an answer before I even read past the subject line. NOPE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 NO! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 No. No. No. Just NO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 No. Absolutely not. If you are worried about her, mail her some domestic violence resources. Do not include your return address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ. Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 No way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 NO!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ripley Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I live a little more on the edge, I guess. I wouldn't automatically say no. I'd probably poke around the internet, try to see who this lady is - put that information together with whatever vibe I got from our face-to-face reaction. Then I'd decide whether or not to drive her. If something felt off, I'd throw away her card. If I was still iffy, I'd use the contact info on the card to reach her and ask what the story was. It's way less entertaining, but definitely worthwhile to let the imagination rest and go straight to the source. LOL How long is the ride from nowhere? When I lived in San Francisco, I worked with people who commuted in from Reno. I think it was 4-6 hours drive time, weather depending, but I can't really remember now. I could probably stomach 4-5 hours with a stranger who might turn weird. I'd be sure to get very familiar with the route beforehand, and have a plan for every hour or so where I could drop her in a habited area if she got SUPER weird. Honestly, my first thought wasn't that the lady was dangerous or weird - it was that then she (and likely the man she was with) would know my house was empty ... and when my husband was running the restaurant. You don't remember mentioning Reno to them, so they may have overheard (intentionally or not); that coupled with his being jumpy makes me think more "con" than "danger" ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 My general rule is if I have to ask whether it's a good idea, it's not. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 NO! Just put her card into the trash and forget about this. NO WAY! I lived in Reno, many years ago, and still have a friend there that I am in touch with frequently, but whatever her destination might be, you do NOT want her to be in your car, with you and your DD. Ever... Not sure where "nowhere CA" is, but I may have been thru there, many years ago. GL and stay safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 My general rule is if I have to ask whether it's a good idea, it's not. ;) :iagree: Words to live by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Do you give rides to hitchhikers? If not, then don't give this woman a ride. Realistically, you don't know much more about her than a stranger you might pick up on the side of the road. All you have is a dubious-looking business card. That means nothing. Don't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Do you give rides to hitchhikers? If not, then don't give this woman a ride. Realistically, you don't know much more about her than a stranger you might pick up on the side of the road. All you have is a dubious-looking business card. That means nothing. Don't do it. :iagree: And realistically, if the woman is trying to "escape" from the man, why would she need you to drive her anywhere? If she can get away from him for long enough to meet you and your dd somewhere, she can get away from him long enough to get to the police station. Please, please, please do not even consider this. If you're not worried about your own safety, think of your dd. It's not at all unheard-of for a woman to lure another woman or a child to a place where her male friends can abduct them. If a man had asked for a ride, I'm sure you would have thrown his card away that very moment. Don't make the mistake of trusting this stranger just because she's a woman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender's green Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Umm, if she can escape from him to get a ride with you to Reno, she can escape whenever and with whomever she darn well pleases. She even could have excused herself to go to the bathroom and alerted the staff if she was in danger from this guy. Don't feel any guilt about that. Oh, and, I almost forgot: NO!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 How is your life insurance? No way in hades would I give her a ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 This topic reminds me of the hitchhiking scene from There's Something About Mary (warning: some language at the end of the clip). :tongue_smilie: Spoiler (in white font - put your cursor over the space after the colon if you want to read it): Wondering what's in the red bag on the hitchhiker's lap? A dead body. Can't get the video to embed, so here's the link to the "7 Minute Abs" scene: http://www.viddler.com/v/c8809791 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 EEEEK!!! NO WAY!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I vote no. I'm all for helping someone in need, but this seems too risky/odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 No. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 NO, it sounds like you don't really know her. I mean, you don't even know if she wants to ride there and then return with you. I would not want to put myself or my dd in that situation. If she needs a ride and overheard you mention your road trip, she could easily call you at the restaurant. If I want to let my imagination run wild, I would consider her picking up something and bringing it back in your car; that would leave you liable. Now, if a woman approached me and needed to get away from a dangerous relationship, I would take her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2bee Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I don't like the approach that you describe. I wasn't there so I can't get a 'read' on her but what does your Husband think about all of this? I'm a tad paranoid, distrustful and pessimistic in general so while my initial, gut reaction is "There is No Way in He11" perhaps that is too-strong of a reaction. If you have to wonder if it is a good idea... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 If you think she overheard you about when you are going, I would keep the card in case there is any kind of break-in attempt that day. If you own a restaurant in a small town, it probably wouldn't be hard for someone to find your address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Gosh, I haven't seen the Hive so united on anything for a long time!! :D Adding my voice to the chorus... No, no, no! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 it sounds much more like a pick-up line to me. time in a car with your daughter is precious; i'd focus on enjoying it. fwiw, ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 No. Honestly there is no way I would give her a ride under those circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 You are getting a lot out of the note on the back of a business card. I would not give her a ride, and generally I would be happy to ride share even with people I don't know well. But that's a strange way to ask for a ride and you don't know anything about her or why she needs a ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 this sounds really odd. it also sounds like your gut thinks it's a bad idea - or you wouldn't be asking. listen to the gut. it's okay to say no. and since she only gave you a card, you don't actually have to speak with her and can just go on your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Strawberry Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 The drive to Reno from anywhere is a long, lonely one. Not a good place to be alone with a stranger. Reno is part of a well-known prostitution circuit. Girls come and go for the business all the time. If that's her line of work, she is likely just looking to save on bus fare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 The drive to Reno from anywhere is a long, lonely one. Not a good place to be alone with a stranger. Reno is part of a well-known prostitution circuit. Girls come and go for the business all the time. If that's her line of work, she is likely just looking to save on bus fare. The possibility of this is another good reason to not take her. Often prostitutes have addiction problems. And addiction problems can come with not only money problems but desperation that might lead someone to robbery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 No! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 The title of your thread feels like it should be a song - country song, I believe. I HAVE given a ride to a hitchhiker (in my pre-mothersense life) and there is no way I would take this woman. Don't do it. Please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I was just thinking about this, and I can't help but wonder what kind of woman would ask a total stranger for a ride to Reno -- or anywhere else, for that matter. I mean, I'm sure Anne is a wonderful person, but this woman doesn't know her at all. Big Red Flags all around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 NO, it sounds like you don't really know her. I mean, you don't even know if she wants to ride there and then return with you. I would not want to put myself or my dd in that situation. If she needs a ride and overheard you mention your road trip, she could easily call you at the restaurant. If I want to let my imagination run wild, I would consider her picking up something and bringing it back in your car; that would leave you liable. Now, if a woman approached me and needed to get away from a dangerous relationship, I would take her. The problem is, unless you already knew the woman quite well, you would have no way of knowing whether or not her tale of abuse was anything more than a big sob story to lure you in to trusting her and wanting to help her. What better way to find a victim than to get someone to feel sorry for you and make them want to help you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 All right, you all have made me see the light and I will not give her a ride. I did worry about her being with the man she was with, he didn't seem quite right and so I was feeling sorry for her, but clearly if I have to ask, the answer is no, lol. Thank you ladies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I'm relieved you decided not to give her the ride, Anne! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 it sounds much more like a pick-up line to me. time in a car with your daughter is precious; i'd focus on enjoying it. fwiw, ann Maybe she is a he? Arrrrghhh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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