Nothing for $2.00.....Part III. ...

So today I approached total strangers and offered them $2.00.

The first fellow looked at me and said, "I don't need it."  Now that was a noble reason and I could certainly appreciate it.  I responded he should give it to someone else, then.  He looked at me quizzically and asked why.  I just said I was redistributing my wealth.  He then said something to the effect that in that case, he could help me.  And he took it!

The next person was the person behind the counter at the bookstore where Iwas buying a book.  The counter also sold coffee and tea and desserts, etc.  There was a tip jar on the counter.  My intent had been to pick out a patron, but there were quite a few people there during the day and people were in groups.  I could not decide how to pick one person out of a group.  I may be crazy, but I am not rich and my "wealth" that I am "redistributing" does have some meaning even if it is only $2.00 a crack.

So when the young lady behind the counter remembered I didn't like bags and mentioned seeing me in there before, I asked her if I could give her $2.00.

She asked what she had to do for it.

Now, what in the world WOULD she do for $2.00, I wonder?  I mean, its only TWO DOLLARS.

Anyway, I told her "Nothing.  I am buying nothing from you for $2.00."  She and her co-worker laughed and said sure and she took the money.  As I walked away she called after me to have a really great day.

And I did.

So what did I learn from this experience?  It seems people don't trust people.  Even for $2.00 they think you want something (and apparently something of value).  I also learned that your closest friends seem to feel the most distrust or guilt for taking the money.  Complete strangers get over their fear quickly when they learn you really mean it.

However, the thing that bothers me is that none of these people truly did "need" the money.  I think I would like to try and find someone who did need it, or otherwise anonymously give the money to someone and see that reaction.  I will give this experiment some thought.

Watch out for Part IV.