Sweeter than strawberry shortbread, and slightly more satisfying
Even though I belong to the class of people who are not supposed to have opinions, I am beginning to have an opinion. I think the problems of street people are problems that scads of people of all classes and backgrounds have. We just don’t have the resources to mask these problems as well as others. But enough about that. Here’s the fun part:
One of those problems is, many of us were not taught what to look out for in a person we would like to date. So people have developed this term called a “red flag.” If someone you are dating does a particular thing, it should set up an alarm in you. Women in particular have had a hard time with this. Probably most of the women you see on the street, doubly so.
So here’s a shortcut to finding red flags.
First, after you have spiffed up your car, put The Contributor on your passenger seat. Or in your jacket or purse, if you are the one being picked up or if you are meeting someone at a public place.
Place the paper either on your passenger seat or on the seat that you expect your date to take. Then use this checklist.
Do they toss it on the floor and step on it — or pick it up and toss it in the nearest trash can/ available seat? That is what they will do to you when they are stressed. They might be a narcissist. They put themselves above others.
Do they pick it up, look at it, and exclaim, “Who left this here? Our waiter must be very sloppy.” They will criticize you as soon as they feel safe with you.
Do they refer derisively to those “panhandlers?” You can bet that if you are ever in need, especially financially, this person will leave you high and dry. Not the marriage material you were hoping came with their good looks.
Do they pick up the paper, look at it, and ask you a question? This person will be open hearted enough to be curious. They will be slow to judge you.
Do they exclaim, “Oh, do you read the paper too?“ This person is worth about three months of investment in your time to find out if they are for real.
Do they pick up the paper and say, “This work is so important! I am so glad we have a local paper here. I donate a few extra sheets of paper when I can so we can include even more important voices and stories. What have you found in the paper that is interesting?” This person is royalty. Bow down and get ready to be treated like the queen/king you are.