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I completely understand where the OP is coming from. It doesn't have to be about race or class - just some people are more private and value their personal space more than others. Becoming a Big Sister/Brother to less-fortunate kids is amazing and all, but it's definitely not for everyone. I don't see why the OP should be obligated to entertain the kids just so he's not judged as 'cold' and 'self-involved' - he has a right to his privacy and not having people intrude.
To the OP: I would definitely make sure you don't do or say anything that could be seen as rude, or it might get you in trouble. Always act polite and friendly - but 'cold-friendly', kwim? Always try to look rushed or busy, give brief, curt replies if they ask something, or even just respond with a nod or shake of the head without saying anything, always with a little smile to show you mean well but at the same time discouraging further interest. If they see that you're not going to be a source of entertainment for them, they'll eventually get bored and go away. I don't know much about dogs, but maybe next time you could say that he gets agitated/scared around strangers and politely ask that they don't call him over. I would think if you take the dog out of the equation, there wouldn't be much keeping the kids interested in a guy who doesn't talk much, and they'll move on...
My dog is my kid right now basically in that she's about as important to me as a child would be to their mother or father. She's a full member of my family and is treated as such. She's not going anywhere. I guess I've have to go around saying she's dangerous even if she's only 20 lbs.
What I find amusing is that the OP will likely be complaining in a few years, when he's living with people he's accustomed to, you know his social class, that no one just stops and visits because they're too busy or whatever.
What I find amusing is that the OP will likely be complaining in a few years, when he's living with people he's accustomed to, you know his social class, that no one just stops and visits because they're too busy or whatever.
Exactly, I look down on 26 year old men in college, whose parents have enough money to buy a house for him while he is in college. Why didn't he graduate at 21 or 22? I guess he's probably a community college failure! Lol.
My dog is my kid right now basically in that she's about as important to me as a child would be to their mother or father. She's a full member of my family and is treated as such. She's not going anywhere. I guess I've have to go around saying she's dangerous even if she's only 20 lbs.
Oh, I wasn't suggesting you get rid of her, just that you come up with a good reason to let the kids know they shouldn't touch/call her. Say she's not feeling well or gets scared and might attack or something.
Funny. I've accrued an enormous amount of rep points from my post.
Where is everyone?
Also gotta say "mulching" and "grilling" are...um...unusual activities for college students.
Volunteer work is not.
Give back to the community!
Where does it say that everyone has to volunteer?
Especially someone who has school or other things to do...
Volunteering should be something you do because you sincerely have a passion for it and enjoy it - not because someone on the internet told you to...
Where does it say that everyone has to volunteer?
Especially someone who has school or other things to do...
Volunteering should be something you do because you sincerely have a passion for it and enjoy it - not because someone on the internet told you to...
Dude also doesn't have to live on his parents cash, especially at 26.
Dude also doesn't have to live on his parents cash, especially at 26.
And judge others.
Spare me that the people in the neighborhood think you are "well off".
YOU are not well off! You are a student. You family is well off! Not only do they own the place that you go home to on holidays, but they own investment properties!
One of which you live in. For free!
To many Americans, that's well off! And you are judging the cars these people drive??? Their cars for gosh sakes!!!
No one says anyone needs to do volunteer work, but I think it's part of a wholesome and compassionate lifestyle.( It also looks good on grad school apps.)
Every president in the US has encouraged volunteer work - from President Obama to George HW Bush to JFK. Community Service. It's a good thing.
No one is suggesting that you invite minor children inside of your home.
We did, but that was a long time ago. We were also cautious and did not enter their homes.
No, not everyone can be a Big Brother or Big Sister you do have to pass a background check - although I'm no one terribly special, no Mother Teresa; my house mates and I all performed community service, and grew from those experiences.
Believe me, I know the type of area of which you speak. You seem to like cleaning - how about a neighborhood cleanup? Pick up the wrappers, the beer cans and cigaret buts. Use gloves.
Let the kids help! Then excuse yourself to study.
You just might feel better about yourself!
It also occurs to me that a job - like one that pays money, although you don't need it, would get you out of the hood you so greatly despise.
And another thing, did you ever think that the kids come around you when you are grilling because they are hungry?
Spare me that the people in the neighborhood think you are "well off".
YOU are not well off! You are a student. You family is well off! Not only do they own the place that you go home to on holidays, but they own investment properties!
One of which you live in. For free!
To many Americans, that's well off! And you are judging the cars these people drive??? Their cars for gosh sakes!!!
No one says anyone needs to do volunteer work, but I think it's part of a wholesome and compassionate lifestyle.( It also looks good on grad school apps.)
Every president in the US has encouraged volunteer work - from President Obama to George HW Bush to JFK. Community Service. It's a good thing.
No one is suggesting that you invite minor children inside of your home.
We did, but that was a long time ago. We were also cautious and did not enter their homes.
No, not everyone can be a Big Brother or Big Sister you do have to pass a background check - although I'm no one terribly special, no Mother Teresa; my house mates and I all performed community service, and grew from those experiences.
Believe me, I know the type of area of which you speak. You seem to like cleaning - how about a neighborhood cleanup? Pick up the wrappers, the beer cans and cigaret buts. Use gloves.
Let the kids help! Then excuse yourself to study.
You just might feel better about yourself!
It also occurs to me that a job - like one that pays money, although you don't need it, would get you out of the hood you so greatly despise.
And another thing, did you ever think that the kids come around you when you are grilling because they are hungry?
Get off your high horse already geez!
Not everybody is mother Teresa like you donating their time and having to tell other's how much of a sacrifice they have made
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Where does it say that everyone has to volunteer?
)
Then excuse yourself to study. 
