Are You a Bystander?
No one knew that he was dead. He sat upright against the wall for support, his head hanging forward in a resting position. He had been robbed of everything after exiting a nightclub in Huancayo and they left him there, probably imagining that he’d wake up from his drunken stupor. He didn’t. Instead, he died of hypothermia from a cold Andes night.
The “bystander effect” states that we are less likely to help someone in trouble if we’re part of a larger crowd. “I’m sure that the other guy will help,” we tend to think. Then, no one does. There are victims.
What have you become desensitized to? Please inspire us by sharing about someone you recently helped who may have been ignored by society.
Tags: bystander effect, challenges, culture, desensitization peru, huancayo peru, living in peru
Nyxzie
This is so sad, and it's so easy for people to become a part of that "bystander effect" . . . Are you familiar with this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIvGIwLcIuw ? My sister in law posted this video on Facebook awhile ago and it was just appalling.
Samantha Bangayan
Dayle, thank you oh so much for sharing this with me! I've never seen that video before and it was appalling how no one helped even with the commotion the child tried to make.
The most touching part was when the people did try to help. You know, for me, this video just destroyed all stereotypes. I was so touched and teared up just like the child's mother when I saw those two guys running to help out even though society may label them as "gangsters" or "hoodlums."
Nyxzie
I can't say that I always notice everything going on around me. I've been known to text and walk (before cell phones I would read and walk) and quite frankly, I day dream a lot . . . But I really try to be mindful of what's around me and when I do see something that doesn't look right, I investigate further. The other day I walked down the street and some girls were fooling around. I watched two girls push another girl against the wall. I was 99% sure they were all just playing around, but that 1% nagged at me. I stopped. Sure enough, all girls were laughing hysterically, but the point is that if something were to happen, I am not going to be that person that looks at the cops and says, "well I just didn't think it was place to get involved." . . . Screw that. It's always your place when something wrong is happening. I've called child services because I heard my neighbors hit their kids.
We need to teach people from an early age to stand against the crowd and do what's right.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I totally identify, Dayle! I love reading and walking too. It's a skill, I tell ya! A lot of people aren't able to. =P
Sounds like you reacted just as the men in the video did — stopping to investigate for further signs of mistreatment. You inspire me with your attitude, Dayle, and I never thought about it, but I think you're so right that being involved in society and feeling responsible for our neighbors is something we need to teach our children! Love that thought!
Leona Martin
Samantha,
You make a good point. We don't speak up enough especially when our gut tells us we should. I haven't been in the situation you mentioned or close to it I guess from where I live I'm not exposed to such things. Plus I'm not one to be out and about after dark. BUT I do pay attention to children w/out their mom or some adult. I have come across many children separated from their parents or whomever because that person wasn't paying attention. I will confront a child and ask where his parent is…I'm not afraid even if I find that the parent is around…just the child still looked lost.
Sherry Zander
This is heartbreaking. I live in such a small town that if we had a drunk sleeping man, one of us would take him in each night. We would notice it, because it's uncommon. In Kansas City, however — the largest major city near me — a drunken man sleeping in a doorway or alley is common. In contrast to Huancayo, however, someone would have aroused him (probably police) to clear him away from the city sidewalk, since that is against the law here. It's too bad Huancayo doesn't have similar laws. His life would have been saved.
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Samantha Bangayan
Sherry, I love imagining you living in a small town where everyone is so neighborly. =) I hope to move to a smaller town one day, once my freelance writing career is up and running.
That's so interesting about the law in Kansas City. It sounds like it definitely works in favor of people sleeping on the street, so we can instantly care for them if there's something fishy happening. It's in these moments that I wish I had more say in government. =P
neanster77
That's such a sad story. It reminds me of the story of the Matchstick girl I used to hear as a kid, and I would cry my heart out every time.
Unfortunately the desensitisation is world-wide. The homelessness as increased greatly in Perth, Western Australia, and it is across all types of people – young, families, old, people on drugs, not on drugs, etc. In a way I think the increasing numbers, instead of making a lot of people sit up and take notice, it causes them to increasingly turn their eyes away.
We are lucky here in Perth to not have 'freezing' temperatures, but I could still see this happening here – with the probably scenario of someone passing out comatose from drugs and being left to die instead of being woken up.
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Samantha Bangayan
OMG! I faintly remember that story, but reading it again definitely had me tearing up. It's exactly what happens to street children here too. Many are afraid to go home if they don't sell enough candies on the streets. =..(
It's so true that homelessness now crosses all boundaries. It used to just be schizophrenics, but now it could be my neighbor. I guess we often turn away from things that make us uncomfortable.
A lot of Canadian homeless people have moved West to Vancouver for its mild temperatures as well. Even so, my friend just let me know about a homeless man who died of heat stroke. =(
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Janine!
R A Ackerman PhD EA
This is yet another problem of both the herd mentality and our general desire to never get involved. It's our job to teach our children that this is unacceptable behavior.
In the DC area, there are myriads of folks who are down on their luck (thanks to the 535 in that white dome). I always watch to see who may need that special something. (Instead of giving them money, I give them McDonald's cards they can use for food or coffee).
"Thanks" (kinda' hard to use that word here) for a stirring (or is that unstirred) story…
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Hajra
It is so sad so see such a sad thing being so common. When in college a polio stricken fruit seller was beaten to death by some goons because they didn't pay him and he threatened to call the police. None of the people standing by and witnessing the tragic event moved ahead to stop the atrocity. There were 3 goons and over a 100 bystanders.
Though I try to keep an open eye I wonder what our negligence is leading to.
Samantha Bangayan
That story is so horrifying, Hajra! I can't believe that no one out of that 100 thought to lend a hand. Sometimes, it only takes one for the rest of the crowd to join in, but if not a single person reaches out, then no one does. =(
Thanks for sharing this story, Hajra. As painful as it is, it's so important for us to be aware that this happens everywhere, so that we can personally take action the next time around.
Tere Scott
Great post. Great thing to think about. I studied social work in college and realized that those who intend to help the most become so uncaring after being exposed to horrific situations. It's really a coping effect due to becoming overwhelmed. But, it is insensitive. Great mind-propping writing.
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Samantha Bangayan
I've never heard about that phenomenon, Tere. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. It makes complete sense to me that people will shy away from overwhelmingly painful situations. Hopefully, some of us can overcome that, so that we can lend a hand to those most in need.
Diana Simon
Hi Samantha,
Great post and thanks for giving us a glimpse of life in Peru. It is sad that we have become bystanders thinking that another person will take on the role. On the other hand, I have experienced the fear of accepting help.
A few years back, it was raining and there was a lady who was pushing her stroller with a young child. I held my umbrella up for her but she immediately said no and hurried away. I saw she was afraid that I may ask something from her or hurt her.
I was caught by surprised at her reaction and realized that people are no longer used to people who just want to help for the sake of helping. I think this is also sad that we no longer believe that others are helping because they have a good heart.
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Samantha Bangayan
Diana, this is so, SO true! Something similar happened to me in Lima. I offered to help someone take a photo of their family and she ignored me, probably thinking that I was going to steal her camera.
Maybe if the world was generally more altruistic, there would be either of these kinds of situations.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Diana!
Bonnie
Very sad story..and I'm guessing if one looked you could find many like this. There is a certain phsycological event that happens with a crowd when they wait to see what someone else does and emulate that..which is a problem when no one is doing anything. I think there is also a certain element of fear involved. I mean if I, as a woman, was alone I'd hesitate to wake the man, but there are alternatives like calling police. I am still trying to work out in my head the logic but when I took First Aid one of the things they taught us was to ask if we can help. If someone was alert and we didn't they can later sue us..even if we saved their life. It happens enough that the certified First Aid here gets a little card to prove it and there is insurance for it. Crazy right? I mean who would DO that?
The thing is, at some point you have to risk a little and take a stand or more people will have horrible things happen to them like this man. We need to start to change this idea in our society that it's okay to walk past.
Great post..great topic that needs to be brought out.
Samantha Bangayan
So true, Bonnie! In fact, just from reading everyone's comments, I've already read about other similar situations around the world!
I also really identify with the element of fear you mention and I would probably have called someone to help rather than do something myself in the situation. I'm so surprised that people can sue you if you don't ask if you can help when it comes to First Aid! It would make me pause before helping out and that pause could mean the difference between life and death! How ridiculous.
I totally agree about needing to risk a little. That's what we all need to remember.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, Bonnie! Loved what you added to this post! =)
@DressingMyTruth
What came to mind was children. When I am out and I see a child alone who looks scared, I try to scan the area for his or her worried or distracted parents. I sometimes talk to the child if the child is close enough, but even if I don't say anything I watch and wait until I see the parent come back. My fear is that if I don't, someone with unkind motives might step in, instead.
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Samantha Bangayan
What a great idea, Jeanine! Children are the most vulnerable and they can also be the most scared. I hope that you've had a positive response whenever you've had to approach a child who separated from his or her caregiver.
Thanks for sharing your strategy, Jeanine! =)
Janet Callaway
Sam, aloha. WOW! Talk about a thought provoking post. Though no doubt I have become desensitized to certain things, I must be so desensitized that I am not even conscious of it.
In terms of helping someone ignored by society, I cannot say that I have anything of that recently–or, I do it so routinely I don't even think about it. Quite honestly, I find myself helping people on a regular basis whether it is as simple as helping them across the street or reaching out on the online world. On virtually a daily basis I connect with people and, if I feel I have something of value to offer them be it words, resources or connections, I post, tweet, e-mail or whatever is appropriate.
Sam, thx so much for making me think about this topic. Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet
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Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Janet. I have walked by people sleeping on the street so many times and have only recently become conscious of how I don't help. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragic situation to help us become more aware.
I completely imagine you being the type of person who helps others out all the time! =) You are already so giving to others over the Interweb. I also love how you mention that what can be of value to a certain person can be very unique to that person; that is, we shouldn't assume that what something valuable to us would also be valuable to everyone else. You set a great example in your individualized way of connecting with others. =)
Thank you so much for vibing with this post and sharing your thoughts, Janet. =)
Sherryl Perry
Wow Samantha! That is such a tragic story. I would like to think that I would stop to help or at least have called for help.
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Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Sherryl! I wonder what I would have done in that situation as well, although I'm ashamed to admit that I've walked by many sleeping men on the streets here in Huancayo. These days, I do a double-take and alert an officer nearby whenever possible!
Thanks for stopping by, Sherryl. =)
resumesurvislady
This makes me think about the car accidents we witness. Just last week I drove past 4 cars in the ditch on a rainy/snowy ride home from work. One truck was overturned and as I passed by not able to stop I just thought to myself that I'm sure someone else called the police when in reality I should have tried to turn around and go back. You're right, we have become desensitized and/or think someone else will address the issue.
Samantha Bangayan
That's such a great example, Billye! I bet there were tons of cars passing by that day, so it's easy to think that someone else would have stepped in — I probably would have thought the same!
What's important is that now we're more conscious and will hopefully lend a hand the next time around. =)
Jeannette Paladino
How sad. I think some of us are embarrassed to help because the person may not need or want it. I remember once trying to help someone up a staircase and she was so incensed she hit me with her cane! That's the rare instance, though, as most people in distress welcome our help. And in the case of the poor soul who died on the street in Peru, a simple call to the police could have saved his life.
Samantha Bangayan
That's so true, Jeannette! It can definitely be embarrassing if we try to lend a hand and the person is offended or scared of us.
I can't believe that lady hit you with her cane, though! =S That's kind of rude. =P
You're also so right about calling the police. Unfortunately, I still haven't met a single officer here who would have cared to do something, even if I bring up an issue. They don't consider it a part of their job. =(
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jeannette! So glad to be connected! =)
Heather C Stephens
Hi Samantha,
What a sad story. I read about something in a Gladwell book a while back and I'm sorry to say I can't remember which one.
I can completely understand how people might assume the man was drunk or sleep, and sadly no one did anything, probably because they were in a hurry, or didn't want to get involved in something "messy". Whatever the reason, it's a tragic story and one we can all learn from.
I think as a woman, I'm probably less likely to get involved with something like that unless I'm with others because of a concern for safety. However there's not really an excuse for that when I consider that I could simply pick up my cell phone and notify the authorities of the situation.
I have done that on several occasions when I've noticed someone recklessly driving and putting others at risk, but I wonder what I'd do about someone who was only putting themselves at risk?
I'll be spending the weekend in Chicago this weekend with my mom and sister, and I'm sure this post will be on my mind.
Thank you for sharing it. It's a great lesson to learn.
Heather
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Samantha Bangayan
Heather, it makes so much sense doesn't it? Who would have known that the man was in need if it looked like he was just sleeping?
I completely identify with your comment about being a woman. We have to take care of ourselves too and unfortunately, women are more vulnerable out there in the real world.
You're right that we can help by calling the police; the sad part is that the authorities usually don't do much here in Huancayo. They feel that it's not part of their job. =(
Thank you so much for stopping by to share your thoughts, Heather, and take care there in Chicago!
Abe Palmer
I have always wondered why people deseansitize when it is so much more fullfilling to do the right thing. A few years ago I was in a accident, placed in a wheel chair unable to walk. Having learned how to be self mobile I was driving home one evening and noticed a car with an elderly man sitting in the driver seat on the side of the road. He had a flat tire but couldn’t change it. I being of strong body knew I could still change that tire without the use of my legs. Lowering myself to the pavement I possitioned the jack, raised the car and changed the tire. The man offered to pay me, I told him I just wanted to see if I really could do it. True story!!!!
Samantha Bangayan
That's exactly what we need to remind ourselves of, Abe — that special feeling of fulfillment that only comes from altruism!
WOW! Your story is an inspiring one, indeed! I can't believe that you were in a wheelchair and that you were still able to help that elderly man. He must have so surprised and thankful! Thank you so much for sharing your story, Abe. =) It just goes to show that we can all do so much more for each other!! =)
@janesheeba
Hi Samantha,
This is heartbreaking, but quite common too. I usually pay attention to what's going around me, and usually stop my car and help people if I find that someone needs it.
However as you say, seeing a drunk man sleeping on the street is not something new to the streets of India too, so I cannot dare to step out and check if such men are doing alright.
So we all can avoid being a bystander and seriously extend our help, but there are limitations too.
Thanks for this wonderful thought.
Cheers,
Jane.
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Melanie Kissell
Unfortunately, Sam, in the metropolitan area where I reside …
If someone comes banging on your door in the middle of the night crying out for help, you'd be a fool to answer the door. Everyone is constantly looking over their shoulders and there's absolutely no level of trust whatsoever. Sad to say it out loud, but in order to protect yourself and keep your family safe, it's better not to get involved. I love helping others and I truly wish it wasn't this way around here, but it is and there's no changing that fact.
Thanks for a compelling post!
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Samantha Bangayan
I completely identify, Melanie! They might have this in your area too, but in Vancouver we have a "Block Watch" system — the idea is that neighbors in "Block Watch" neighborhoods watch out for each others' homes and report suspicious activity.
Unfortunately, I think that the feeling of community is harshly lacking to make the system really work. In fact, even when I lived in a "Block Watch" neighborhood, we had a rapist in the area for almost a month.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me, Melanie, and having me think more about this!
Dennis Salvatier
You are so very right. Because of the economic down turn there are more homeless people. Say what you will, but they're still human beings and the change in your pocket can help them in some way. The cynical will say it'll help their habits, but use your better judgment . Everyday is a chance to do something kind for others and this example is just disturbing. I'm probably guilty of it myself, but that's why people like you, Samantha, exist. To shed light on the things we forget when were caught up in our own lives.
Samantha Bangayan
That's exactly what we need to remember, Dennis — these people are also human beings; this way, we feel connected to them rather than categorizing them as "different."
I know I've been guilty of ignoring my community as well, which is why this newspaper article touched me so deeply. I absolutely love how you say that "everyday is a chance to do something kind for others." =) I'll remember that.
Thanks so much for appreciating this post, Dennis!
Susan Oakes
It is sad Samantha and it is a good reminder that it takes 5 seconds to ask if you can help. We have a tendency to look the other way and I am not sure why.
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Samantha Bangayan
Such a strong point, Susan! It only takes a few seconds to ask if we can help. When we think of it that way, there's no excuse to not help another. Thank you for sharing your strategy! =)
Tim
So pathetic a story. How often things like this happen around us and we don’t take notice. We just work pass, assume other people will take notice and forget it like that…
Wish we can pay more attention to our environment and help as much as we can.
Tim
Samantha Bangayan
That's exactly how I feel, Tim! It's so true that this happens so often, but I love the strength of your "wish." It motivates me to continue reaching out to others and I hope it motivates others to do the same! =)
Thanks so much for stopping by, Tim!
Blue buckt
I am lucky that i have never been in this situation. Honestly, i do not know how I would react.
Samantha Bangayan
I know how you feel, Blue Bucket! I wonder what I would have done in that situation as well. It was an event that I read about in the local newspaper after it had happened. Unfortunately, I think that I would have just walked by, thinking that he was sleeping! Thankfully, this event has now made me more conscious.
Blue Bucket, is there a way that I can support your website or connect with you further? =) I really appreciate you stopping by!
Josh Garcia
Hi Samantha,
That is a sad story! I'm sure this happens a lot of times as well.
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Samantha Bangayan
For sure, Josh! Just from the comments I've read from others, it sounds like this happens all over the world. I hope that we all have become a little more conscious to lend a helping hand when it's needed! =)
@wordzopolis
Samantha,
Such a sad story. It reminds me of a story that I read once about a woman who worked for the City of Los Angeles and was dead at her desk for over a day before anyone noticed she was dead. People just came to work and left not noticing she was sitting at her desk dead. I is a sad state of affairs when we don't even notice a dead coworker.
Jenn
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I've never heard that story before, Jenn. Thanks so much for sharing. That's almost more tragic than this story, to not feel connected enough to your coworker to check up on her. We ignore people on the street all the time, but a coworker? Wow.
Thanks so much for sharing this story, Jenn.
Glad to be connected through the LinkedIn Bloggers group. Will head over to your latest post right now!
Jeannette Koczela
This kind of thing is very sad and it's good to keep in mind that we need to be more aware of the needs of others.
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Samantha Bangayan
So true, Jeannette! That's why the newspaper article touched me too. It's a good reminder about being aware of those around us.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jeannette! =)
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly, Gonzalo! I would definitely be thinking about whether the person would rob me. The reality is definitely more complicated because we have to consider our own well-being and safety in the real world, as much as we would like be a "good samaritan."
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and identifying with the experience, Gonzalo!
Stacy
Hi Samantha,
I wrote a post on this topic last year, it is really sad how people act in a crowd. They do things that they ordinarily wouldn't otherwise do, either to please the crowd or expecting someone else to do the right thing.
It can also be quite humorous, I shared stories in my post from my days as a psychology student. People really will do some strange things in order to comply with the crowd!
Take care,
Stacy
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Samantha Bangayan
I'm a psychology major too, Stacy! =) I noticed that you mentioned some tidbits you had learned from social psychology classes. Human behavior is just so interesting! =)
This has me thinking about a study that you've probably already seen and may have mentioned in your post last year — if everyone in a group answers a question wrong, you may start to doubt yourself. =P
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and connecting with me, Stacy! =)
Deeone
Very touching post Samantha. I would have to admit to being a bystander in a sense. I concur that there aren't enough good samaritans in the world today, but I also think that this partly is the case, because people have "pressed the panic button" in vain so much; and then the real good samaritan ends up hurt, beat, or even killed. All because he/she decided to stop and lend a hand.
I'm certainly not saying that its right, in any way, but somehow society has in a sense turned to look away for a reason. Just as many stories as there are of people who have walked by a stranger not lending a hand, there have been equally amounts of stories where people did stop to help; only in being returned with unnecessary repercussions. It is sad that we live in a day that one must proceed with caution into such a situation as this. But, I would say still, proceed with caution. 🙂
Jon
Samantha,
It's a sad part of our nature to allow these things to happen. Sometimes we're so caught up in ourselves and our plans that we don't even realize what's happening around us.
Recently, I can't think of any stories like this that have come up in my life. Last spring I was at a Home Depot picking up some landscape supplies. There was an elderly woman by the patio blocks but she didn't look as though she was in the market for them. She just looked disoriented.
I approached her asking if she needed help loading up some blocks but she looked at me, eyes glazed over. As it turns out, I asked more questions and wound up leading her to a floor manager because she and her son lost sight of each other in the store.
They paged her son and all was well. People weren't deliberately neglecting her but nobody was really paying attention either so I'm glad I approached her.
Thanks!
Jon
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Samantha Bangayan
Jon, that is so true. I know I ignore the people around me if I'm heading to a meeting or caught up in my own thoughts. It's our tendency to think of ourselves, especially in the busy and hurried lives we now lead. It's one of the reasons that I moved to Peru — people walk slower and it makes all the difference. =P
Jon, that is a perfect story and inspiring indeed! =) That can be such a scary situation to lose a family member. It's also a great example of how easy it is for us to pass people by. I'm so glad you took action and I hope that I'll learn from your story to take more action in my life as well. =)
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Jon! =) It really was perfect!
@JenPuckettVA
That is so sad! My parents were always very giving people. I have seen my dad help out so many people, strangers, etc. Sometimes I wondered if he attracted people in need because it was not out of the ordinary for a stranger to walk up and ask him for money. I am so glad they taught me that what you give in life is always given back to you in some way, even if it is a smile that brightens your day!
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Samantha Bangayan
Aw, I always love hearing about parents who set great examples for their children! =) I wonder if I'm more hesitant to help out because my parents were the opposite. =P It wasn't that they didn't like to help — they were overly giving to people they knew — but they were less likely to help strangers because they prioritized the family's safety.
I absolutely *love* what you got out of this post, Jen! I've learned from you too — "what you give in life is always given back to you in some way." And a smile *does* make all the difference! I'm definitely going to implement that more in my daily life! =) Thank youu! =)
catarinaalexon
Samantha, the funny thing is that it seems to be a "class thing". People from lower classes help others on the street while upper class people tend not to. At least that's what I have noticed all over the world. In Africa I noticed that Africans were helpful but white people were not. Obviously it's not as simple as that. There are always exceptions to every rule. But generally speaking that's the impression, maybe wrongly, have.
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Samantha Bangayan
I never thought about it that way, Catarina! If I think about my extended family in the Philippines who are in the upper class of society, they are definitely less likely to help others because they consider it a safety issue. They have an image of people in lower class as dangerous robbers and kidnappers.
I find your example of Africa really interesting to me. I've heard the same about South Africa as a general conclusion. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and adding to the conversation, Catarina! =)
@AllieRambles
Samantha,
It is not desensitization because humans do like to help each other. It's called not wanting to be sued, hurt or have backlash.
We want to help but hear of too many stories where the rescuer moved a victim from a burning car to be sued for accidentally paralyzing the victim in the move to save his life.
Or the story of someone trying to help what looks like a person in need and then they rob or rape you.
It is sad.
Here in the Bay Area just not long ago a young girl (15?) was (allegedly, the proceedings are still going) raped in public by at least 6 males in a school yard late at night. There were more bystanders than rapists and NOBODY called the police. WTH?? It went on for hours. I cried when I heard the story. What has our world come to?
Like I said, we are all scared. Scared to be sued, photographed, hurt, recorded or just shunned.
Personally, I will help people but not before assessing the safety of the situation.
When it comes to homeless, we do ignore the fact that they are there. Unfortunately, homeless are a way of life and will never go away. Many times your dollar buys them drugs or alcohol. If you feel the need to give to a homeless person give them a giftcard for food. Or a number of a shelter.
I could go on but society can be cruel at times.
~Allie
Samantha Bangayan
Allie, I always love your insights on human psychology! I agree that humans want to help each other, but it seems that in a way, we've learned that we shouldn't from all those negative experiences we hear of in the news or that we've personally experienced.
Omigoodness. =..( That is a horrifying public situation of the young girl raped in public and I only hope it's in the minority when it comes to the bystander effect. It's a powerful example of how "society can be cruel," as you say.
Good idea to assess the situation before taking action. The scary part is that sometimes, in those moments we take to assess the situation, the seconds we have to really help has then passed us by. =(
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Allie!
Adrienne
Look at all your comments on this post Samantha. It really hit home for a lot of people.
I will admit I haven't done anything recently that I will call outstanding but I learned a long time ago to always go with my gut because it will never let me down. So in that respect I've helped people with decisions that they were confused about but nothing earth shattering. Maybe that's a good thing…
Thanks for bringing this to our attention though. My heart breaks for this guy now and to know he was overlooked so easily. Wow! I'll never overlook anyone from this day forward.
Adrienne
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Samantha Bangayan
I know, Adrienne! This is one of my shortest articles yet. It just goes to show that it's not about post-length, it's about quality.
Adrienne, that's exactly what I'm learning to do now too — to listen to and trust my gut feelings. As such, it's so valuable that you've helped others find the strength in their intuition as well!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and energy with me again, Adrienne. =)
gustavo
Hi Sammantha,
Beside the sadness, I was very impressed with your writing style. There’s storytelling right there: clean, short and precise.
Also, as you may suspect, what happens in Huancayo is not different from what happens here(though I work on an island, I am based in Guayaquil) so, I felt very identified with your story.
Samantha Bangayan
Gustavo, wow! Thank you so much for your very kind words regarding my writing! I was kind of nervous about this post because it's one of my shortest ones yet, but I've been positively overwhelmed by the response. =)
Thanks for identifying with my story as well. I had a feeling that this phenomenon happens in many parts of South America.
Thanks as always for your visit, Gustavo. =) Hug!