Stranger Danger

I took the c-train today and I hadn't taken it in months. Did you know Calgary transit adult tickets are now $3.50 and valid for 90 minutes? I remember 9 years and 6 months ago it was $2.25.

I approached the kiosk to purchase a ticket. As I was looking for my card in my purse (I hadn't lost it I just sometimes through it in my purse), a young lady -around my age maybe- approached me and said "I bought a ticket to get home

I've used it for 15 minutes only you can have it" I was startled, shocked and held on to my purse. All these negative thoughts started rushing through my brain. What if this girl doesn't mean wellm? What if it's a set up to steal my purse? What if "the ticket" is harmful in anyway?

I assessed the situation quickly. She looked fine.

I took the ticket, I thanked her and I walked away.

The ticket was legit. The girl was nothing but kind. She just did not want to waste that ticket.

I grew up with the mentality that strangers are always out to get you. Stranger, Danger right?

Unfortunately, those kind individuals get lost in that crowd. Sometimes they mean no harm. Sometimes they do mean well.

Intelligence is the ability to tell people apart. However, that's easier said than done.

There's no way to tell them apart. You just have to trust your gut. Smile when it tells you to. Walk away when it tells you to. Run when it tells you to.