I owned a small shop. Each time someone took something, it hurt, not just finanically but emotionally. I remember catching a young woman in the act of stashing a plate inside her napsack and when I politely asked for it back, she sneered at me, huffed and stormed out of my shop. No regret, no excuses, just disgust at me for having caught her in the act.
That’s a really sad story, Nadja. Thank you for sharing it. I think sometimes people act selfishly or do bad things because they forget that their actions hurt real people. By sharing your story, you reminded me (and maybe others) that there’s another side. The shop owner’s feelings, the human cost. Maybe your reaction made that young woman realize that her actions had real consequences and affected a real person.
My boyfriend in college had this tendency. We were in a bookstore when he saw a big, beautiful, expensive art book he wanted. "I'm going to take it," he said. A small thrill ran through me, but I was relieved when it didn't appear that he had as we waited in the check out line. Then he spontaneously asked me to put my arm around him. Since he usually deplored public display of affection I complied. The book was tucked behind his back under his t-shirt! I'd noticed nothing!
A few weeks later he was arrested for swiping a 14 cent can of pepper at the grocery store. He was kicked out of college, never got his degree, and instead of becoming an architect, was a draftsman his whole life.
Yes! I got sober and began making amends. A long process. It’s now been 15 ½ years since I stole anything (not entirely true as I’ve snatched extra equal packets)
I owned a small shop. Each time someone took something, it hurt, not just finanically but emotionally. I remember catching a young woman in the act of stashing a plate inside her napsack and when I politely asked for it back, she sneered at me, huffed and stormed out of my shop. No regret, no excuses, just disgust at me for having caught her in the act.
That’s a really sad story, Nadja. Thank you for sharing it. I think sometimes people act selfishly or do bad things because they forget that their actions hurt real people. By sharing your story, you reminded me (and maybe others) that there’s another side. The shop owner’s feelings, the human cost. Maybe your reaction made that young woman realize that her actions had real consequences and affected a real person.
My boyfriend in college had this tendency. We were in a bookstore when he saw a big, beautiful, expensive art book he wanted. "I'm going to take it," he said. A small thrill ran through me, but I was relieved when it didn't appear that he had as we waited in the check out line. Then he spontaneously asked me to put my arm around him. Since he usually deplored public display of affection I complied. The book was tucked behind his back under his t-shirt! I'd noticed nothing!
A few weeks later he was arrested for swiping a 14 cent can of pepper at the grocery store. He was kicked out of college, never got his degree, and instead of becoming an architect, was a draftsman his whole life.
Karma got him. Beware.
So interesting and so well - written
Exactly the age i started all the way until i got sober. 33 years of stealing. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing that! Was there something that triggered you to stop?
Yes! I got sober and began making amends. A long process. It’s now been 15 ½ years since I stole anything (not entirely true as I’ve snatched extra equal packets)
Interesting! :)
Enlightening! The silent urges of the hungry mind.
usually....not always....lol
nice piece...well written
just wrong of her or anyone.