To Eric, I’ve known one of my buddies for roughly ten years. We both have left-leaning opinions. We’ve had numerous dinners together in the past where we’ve talked about the injustices in our nation and other political issues. I can relate to my friend’s continual complaints about how unjust our society is and how sympathetic she is to the suffering of the underprivileged.
My acquaintance retired early, paid off two houses, and had a ton of money. She might be using her own funds to aid the underprivileged both financially and physically, but she chooses not to. I’m at my breaking point because she’s always on this soap box.
I am aware that addressing her about what I perceive to be her own hypocrisy will not be well received. I felt really uneasy the last time we had one of these discussions. Since we are unable to address the world’s issues, I asked her why she talks to me about this so much and what her goal was. “You have good ideas, maybe you’ll have a solution,” she remarked.
I do have a decent plan, though, and it involves her selling her second house to raise money for college scholarships, paying for drug and alcohol treatment for those who desire it, and giving out used cars, housing, daycare, and other necessities to those in need. Dozens of lives could be improved and changed by her alone.
I know my approach will be met with resistance, but I’m sick of listening to her angst when she might be doing something constructive with her life rather than simply whining about it. Tell me, please.
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To Do Gooder, please: I don’t see why you are unable to make the recommendations you have listed. Frame them as recommendations if you’re worried about coming across as overly dogmatic, or even look for nonprofits or charities you want to support and ask her if she’ll join you.
You have nothing to lose if you anticipate that your answer will be well received. Furthermore, one of those bricks might serve as the starting point for additional altruistic endeavors.
For inquiries, contact R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Subscribe to his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com and follow him on Instagram.
