To give or not to give? – Oh the GUILT.
Was walking to a meeting with a client in Boston earlier today along with one of my colleagues. On our way there, on the corner of Washington and West St. not too far from China Town, this guy starts talking to us, complimenting our clothes, being super friendly. Hi energy guy, positive attitude. Then, after we’ve become his best friends within about 43 seconds, he shares with us that he is homeless and asks whether we can give him some money for food. I personally am of the general opinion that if you can physically work….you should. However, I immediately felt guilty, somewhat embarrassed and offered to buy him a bagel at the Dunkin Donuts across the street (did I mention I was in Boston?).
It is already proven that our decisions are driven by emotions. We buy something which is a reaction caused by an emotional trigger to someone or something we heard or saw. But where do you stand when it comes to guilt? And I don't ask this solely because as a Jewish guy it is simply an innate characteristic. Have you ever found yourself buying something, paying for something, giving, because of guilt?
