Yesterday on the bus, a chap behind me innocently asked if he could use my (mobile) phone.
I half-turned and instantly replied with a firm "No". I didn't look at him when I said that.
Thirty seconds later, he was using my phone.
Even before saying "No", I recognised it was incredibly cunty of me. That is, bearing in mind all of the variables in the situation (it being on public transport, he looking very sincere, he asking with such innocence), he was not going to steal my phone or otherwise abuse it/me. I knew this.
I chose to say "No" as it's seemingly the done thing and the British thing; "Get your own phone, mate".
He was in some level of need, and I denied him.
I apologised and offered him use of the phone, which he accepted.
This wasn't just to satisfy my own vanity for Christian moral standards; box-ticking so that I could feel good about my day. In practical, consequentialist terms, the guy's state was in some level improved, which was good.
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