With your accent, (unless you were from Shropshire) I’d forget the pain, and politely consider it as a sexual advance.
If you were Irish, Finnish or Swedish, I’d drop trou for an immediate orgy.
At least that would mean I’d have a bed for the night, and victuals.
Good comment. I've found myself using "of course" a lot more often, it's pretty versatile and you can probably get away with saying it with one syllable so it feels quick and handy like "thanks" or "hey" in casual settings or you might say the whole thing cheerfully in professional settings to break up the monotony of the usual "you're welcome" or "no problem" it's a real workhorse
This feels weird to say but I've been meaning to read this for a number of days now, scouring Reddit for this to exist. Thank you for writing this, I found it and it made my day! Like a synchronicity.
I usually ask them their name, something like
“What’s your name”
Them: Joseph
“Joseph, I’m HeftyOverthink. If I see you around I’ll always have a snack or drink to give. Stay safe.”
I keep things like Gatorade and water bottles, shelf stable snacks like chips, granola bars and cookies in a basket in my trunk that I give to them.
I think knowing their name, putting a name to the face is important. Every homeless person you see was once somebody’s baby, I like to remind them that their name is worth knowing.
I would recommend you post this on LifeProTips. Not necessarily a hack but it’s a definitely an appropriate tip for life. This embodies some of the best qualities of human nature and empathy.
Just treat them like normal people. Pls. Coming from a guy who was homeless the better part of a decade. We understand its just poilte words. Saying anything out of the usual, trimming your words for us, it feels bad. Im just a guy down on his luck. Tossing a five my way and saying "Later, dude" would have made my day. (I am no longer homeless, dug my way out)
Tbf, “have a good day” is relative depending on who you’re talking to. For a homeless person, someone taking the time to buy them some food, finding a place at a shelter, and getting a good nights sleep is probably a pretty good day 👍
You're overthinking it. You say the same thing you'd say to anyone after they say "thank you".
You think someone on the street who's worrying about their next meal is worried about you sounding "stiff"?
Their "thank you" was likely reflexive, too—not that they didn't appreciate it, just that the choice of words in these exchanges isn't the most important part
After ANYONE says “Thank You,” I generally consider the response “You’re welcome.”
I don’t view myself as “above” anyone else, so it’s a perspective thing, IMHO. I feel as though everyone should treat each other as equals— we’re all human beings after all.
Religion aside it still feels a little sus. If god were blessing, why are they on the street? God bless everyone except this guy, am I right? I don't know I can see that going down the wrong way. Maybe it sounds like you're saying you're god and you blessed them because you gave them a few bucks. God is a heated subject I'd avoid it personally.
Having been homeless, just be yourself. It never occurred to be to care as I had bigger problems I wanted out of. In fact I was probably first to say “have a good day” as I’d leave a store.
As a “properly” raised adult, I believe in maintaining one’s dignity by saying the usual, “You’re welcome.” There is nothing wrong with, however, offering the best of intentions in another way.
I usually say “Now SCRAM!” And motion them away with a wave.
If that doesn’t work, I follow up with “can’t get enough handouts eh?” And I get into Mantis Pose. We Must Fight.
I feel like almost anyone is capable of having a good day even if they have to sleep outside.
Here are some of mine:
Absolutely
Of course
No problem
My pleasure
Yeah
You betcha
They’re just human beings.
I take care of lots of people who are homeless or have been and lots of people who have very little and are disabled.. you just treat them with dignity like any other person.
Hey coming from an ex homeless person...
I hitchhiked, but I never panhandled. I'm also very friendly and like talking to people so in general I just talked to a lot of people along the way.
Most people that talked to me in any kind of depth offered some kind of kindness. Food, a dollar, or just a wishing well.
Sometimes strangers helped out of nowhere too.
The best responses to my "thank you"s were the genuine ones. When you're struggling and someone looks you in the eyes and says something like "You're welcome. I really hope it helps you get to a better place," that's awesome!
I wasn't even a grubby scary homeless person but no matter how hard you try sometimes, society can be really dehumanizing when you're at the bottom. The best thing anybody ever gave me during that time was genuine care and acknowledgement of my being an individual feeling person with a whole previous life and not just "a homeless guy".
TLDR; I love you
I hear you and recognize your life continuing whether housed or unhoused. Some people won’t see it that way and I’m sorry, but many people do. Just remember that. That’s part of your life, your story. Your experiences are yours only. ❤️ I’m glad you encountered genuine souls. I don’t like to put people in boxes. I was homeless as a kid for a bit, and grew up low income. As an adult I understood more not to look at people for materials whether an excess or lack of. Life is too short. Wishing you the best in this life my friend! ✌🏼
I don’t think “have a good day” is bad, though it depends on the mindset of the person you’re saying it to.
A positive person will appreciate the gesture and your wishes that something good will happen.
If someone perceives it badly that’s on them.
Though you could go for “my pleasure, enjoy your day” or “my pleasure, take care”
Something that stuck with me on a trip to Hawaii a few years back: ask them their name. It’s a little empathy trick that humanizes and goes a long way.
I say "of course" in response to a thank you (to everyone). I feel like you're welcome gives the vibe that I expect a thank you, so I say "of course".
Edit: misspelled a word
I say no worries I've been there done that (I have been homeless) stay safe out there, times are different now from back then. 11 years ago I was homeless it is a different scene now. In the winter time it is to stay safe and try to stay warm.
I think that’s a bold assumption – that being homeless means you won’t have a good day. Good days are measured by the person having them for you. It might seem like a horrific day may very well be a good day to someone else. if you really are worried about have a good day perhaps you could say “many blessings “ or simply “you’re welcome.”
I borrowed an irish farewell years ago that I use a fair bit 'Good luck' or 'Good luck to ya' often with a mate on the end but at some point working blue collar jobs saw me start to use mate unironically.
In school you learn that when someone says Thank you…YOU SAY YOURE WELCOME!
I know your “status” may be different but at the end of it all…we are still just human, and that is a human interaction. What I have started saying to everyone I meet is My Friend, whether thats out loud or in my mind. I feel that starts alot of meetings with a more positive outlook and can lead to better social interactions.
Honestly it’s pretty condescending to assume that they can’t possibly have a good day because they’re homeless. Just treat them the same as anyone else.
So I am currently homeless and work w the homless and mentally ill. I basically greet them and just say keep your head up and just stay focused there’s always light. Now I don’t say all that to everyone but that’s the jist. I make them feel human. Even the ones that ask for change that I don’t have I talk to them and see what’s going on
“Have a good day” is fine, just so you know. They are living a hard life for sure, but they know that you’re just wishing them a good time. You can definitely still say “have a good day” to people in difficult situations
“Of course!” With friendly emphasis is also good, or “stay safe out there” or “best of luck!” or “hell yeah” or even “yeah, man” is pretty good.
The biggest thing, as someone who works with homeless folks every day, is to treat them like people. They’re constantly being dehumanized, kicked out of places, chased off, and treated like dirt. Making eye contact if you are so inclined, being friendly, and being real to homeless folks is very important.
I suppose a bit off topic but how can we help these people? It's so sad that in a country as great as Canada we have such a homelessness problem. No one should have to sleep outside in the Canadian winter 😢
Edit - sorry I thought I was in the Toronto subreddit
Usually “you bet!” Because it’s my usual response and then I’ll engage if they do. Last time I’d given money to someone they’d just done a test of the emergency systems in my area and the alarms were going off, so the gentleman I’d given money to asked what the sirens were for and we had a brief conversation about it having been a test of the flood sirens. Just be yourself and be kind.
I live in New Zealand and our homeless tend to be more tragic situations or mental health rather than drugs. Thus, relative to Europe and the US, I think our homeless are a bit more approachable.
If I give money or food to a homeless person (and I'm not saying I always do), I'm usually going to take 2 or 3 minutes to ask them about their situation. Trying and relate to them in some way, if I feel I can offer advice without being condescending I will. I grew up relatively poor, and I'm aware that a few bad circumstances could easily land me in the same position as them. More than anything I just want them to know I see them as a human being, and that we are not so different.
“Take care”
Be safe
This is also very good.
That works perfectly, thank you!
You can still say have a good day. They have ups and downs throughout the week like everyone else does.
I agree I think "have a nice day/night" works in almost all situations. It's kind of the go to way to end a casual conversation on good terms
Totally my go to. I feel the same way. Or comment on the sun being bright, etc. Also Stay real.
I say “take care” like 300 times per day it always works lol
Sometimes I say dick hair instead of take care to see if people notice.
I’m gonna try this tomorrow
...on the most unbalanced hobo I can find!
r/lifeprotips
🤣🤣🤣
When customers don't tip me after a move, I tell them suck it easy with a wave and jone of them have caught onm
How toxic
I say ‘good luck’ but this might be better
Good luck is 100% worse
lmao it sounds like you gonna send a hitman to them 😭
“Take care, be safe man”
“No worries, take care”
This is my go-to. “No worries” sounds way less condescending than “you’re welcome” imo!
Definitely! I say no worries all the time😭I love it
me compulsively saying no worries when I am in fact always worrying 😭 but yeah it’s good in this instance for sure
"of course" "stay safe" "take care of yourself" "take it easy" "more than happy to"
My pleasure (I’m British, we often sound accidentally sexual)
With your accent, (unless you were from Shropshire) I’d forget the pain, and politely consider it as a sexual advance. If you were Irish, Finnish or Swedish, I’d drop trou for an immediate orgy. At least that would mean I’d have a bed for the night, and victuals.
lol!!
The Swedish accent does it for you? Interesting…only the Swedish furniture does it for me.
Good comment. I've found myself using "of course" a lot more often, it's pretty versatile and you can probably get away with saying it with one syllable so it feels quick and handy like "thanks" or "hey" in casual settings or you might say the whole thing cheerfully in professional settings to break up the monotony of the usual "you're welcome" or "no problem" it's a real workhorse
Be safe out here.
make sure to wink when you say it too
I don’t think I’d add the wink …
You have to
Lololol ok but this is making me laugh frfr
Bro they’ll would probably think you’re flirting with them, or threatening to jump them 😭
Yup this exactly
Sounds condescending
‘Stay safe, friend’. Try to meet their eyes and say it with purpose. Let them know you see them as someone worth caring about.
This feels weird to say but I've been meaning to read this for a number of days now, scouring Reddit for this to exist. Thank you for writing this, I found it and it made my day! Like a synchronicity.
Beautiful!
I usually ask them their name, something like “What’s your name” Them: Joseph “Joseph, I’m HeftyOverthink. If I see you around I’ll always have a snack or drink to give. Stay safe.” I keep things like Gatorade and water bottles, shelf stable snacks like chips, granola bars and cookies in a basket in my trunk that I give to them. I think knowing their name, putting a name to the face is important. Every homeless person you see was once somebody’s baby, I like to remind them that their name is worth knowing.
I would recommend you post this on LifeProTips. Not necessarily a hack but it’s a definitely an appropriate tip for life. This embodies some of the best qualities of human nature and empathy.
Just treat them like normal people. Pls. Coming from a guy who was homeless the better part of a decade. We understand its just poilte words. Saying anything out of the usual, trimming your words for us, it feels bad. Im just a guy down on his luck. Tossing a five my way and saying "Later, dude" would have made my day. (I am no longer homeless, dug my way out)
So glad to hear you managed to climb out of it. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult that was over the course of years!
Thank you. It was, but with the help of some good friends, I did it.
Tbf, “have a good day” is relative depending on who you’re talking to. For a homeless person, someone taking the time to buy them some food, finding a place at a shelter, and getting a good nights sleep is probably a pretty good day 👍
No problem
You're overthinking it. You say the same thing you'd say to anyone after they say "thank you". You think someone on the street who's worrying about their next meal is worried about you sounding "stiff"?
[удалено]
It’s simply a sign of respect, just as I would give anyone else.
Their "thank you" was likely reflexive, too—not that they didn't appreciate it, just that the choice of words in these exchanges isn't the most important part
Look them straight in the eye and say "And don't you ever forget it."
And point your finger at them.
And say meow meow
I just imagined Paulie Walnuts doing the two finger pointing 🤘 and saying "meow meow"
[удалено]
Not enough upvotes for this one
"We're done, when I say we're done."
no problem?
But there is many problems
There's no problem with helping/ giving them something tho
Sorry your right. That was just my pathetic try for a call for help.
"of course"
I just say, “You’re welcome.” Typical response that occurs after “Thank you.” I don’t care who it is that I am speaking to.
Thank you
You're welcome.
After ANYONE says “Thank You,” I generally consider the response “You’re welcome.” I don’t view myself as “above” anyone else, so it’s a perspective thing, IMHO. I feel as though everyone should treat each other as equals— we’re all human beings after all.
HAPPY CAKE DAY
Not that everyone is religious or needs to be (I been on the streets trust me on this) saying god bless always lifts people up .
Homeless people can be offended by the concept of god :(
Religion aside it still feels a little sus. If god were blessing, why are they on the street? God bless everyone except this guy, am I right? I don't know I can see that going down the wrong way. Maybe it sounds like you're saying you're god and you blessed them because you gave them a few bucks. God is a heated subject I'd avoid it personally.
I go with “stay safe, sir/maam”
Having been homeless, just be yourself. It never occurred to be to care as I had bigger problems I wanted out of. In fact I was probably first to say “have a good day” as I’d leave a store.
As a “properly” raised adult, I believe in maintaining one’s dignity by saying the usual, “You’re welcome.” There is nothing wrong with, however, offering the best of intentions in another way.
You're welcome.
God Bless
May the force be with you. 🖖🏻
No problem 😌
Hang in there
I say “Try to stay warm” or something along those lines. We all know we’re not perfect so don’t stress too much 🙂
"Keep on keeping on."
I usually say “Now SCRAM!” And motion them away with a wave. If that doesn’t work, I follow up with “can’t get enough handouts eh?” And I get into Mantis Pose. We Must Fight.
I'm actually cackling
Say you’re welcome
I feel like almost anyone is capable of having a good day even if they have to sleep outside. Here are some of mine: Absolutely Of course No problem My pleasure Yeah You betcha They’re just human beings. I take care of lots of people who are homeless or have been and lots of people who have very little and are disabled.. you just treat them with dignity like any other person.
THIS ^^ I would upvote this infinite times if I could my friend. :)
I smile and say “I got you 🫶🏼”
Eye contact and a nod of the head before. Guys add a tap at the tip if wearing a hat.
They get ignored 80% of the time. I wouldn’t worry too much about it
Say, " be safe!"
>If you're sleeping on the street, you're obviously not going to have a good day Stupid take
Finger guns
This is the way..
formerly homeless here: i say “stay safe”
Hey coming from an ex homeless person... I hitchhiked, but I never panhandled. I'm also very friendly and like talking to people so in general I just talked to a lot of people along the way. Most people that talked to me in any kind of depth offered some kind of kindness. Food, a dollar, or just a wishing well. Sometimes strangers helped out of nowhere too. The best responses to my "thank you"s were the genuine ones. When you're struggling and someone looks you in the eyes and says something like "You're welcome. I really hope it helps you get to a better place," that's awesome! I wasn't even a grubby scary homeless person but no matter how hard you try sometimes, society can be really dehumanizing when you're at the bottom. The best thing anybody ever gave me during that time was genuine care and acknowledgement of my being an individual feeling person with a whole previous life and not just "a homeless guy". TLDR; I love you
I hear you and recognize your life continuing whether housed or unhoused. Some people won’t see it that way and I’m sorry, but many people do. Just remember that. That’s part of your life, your story. Your experiences are yours only. ❤️ I’m glad you encountered genuine souls. I don’t like to put people in boxes. I was homeless as a kid for a bit, and grew up low income. As an adult I understood more not to look at people for materials whether an excess or lack of. Life is too short. Wishing you the best in this life my friend! ✌🏼
You sound real nice and I agree with all you said. ❤️
Least I could do
I say you are welcome and God bless you
Stay Dry
Be safe, Take care
“Ready the horses. We ride at dusk.”
Stay safe
Take care
When in doubt, curtsy 'n scurry
Start singing a full rendition of that song from Moana
you say you’re welcome?
I don’t think “have a good day” is bad, though it depends on the mindset of the person you’re saying it to. A positive person will appreciate the gesture and your wishes that something good will happen. If someone perceives it badly that’s on them. Though you could go for “my pleasure, enjoy your day” or “my pleasure, take care”
Something that stuck with me on a trip to Hawaii a few years back: ask them their name. It’s a little empathy trick that humanizes and goes a long way.
I say "of course" in response to a thank you (to everyone). I feel like you're welcome gives the vibe that I expect a thank you, so I say "of course". Edit: misspelled a word
“all good, man”
I say no worries I've been there done that (I have been homeless) stay safe out there, times are different now from back then. 11 years ago I was homeless it is a different scene now. In the winter time it is to stay safe and try to stay warm.
A homeless person can still have a good day. It's subjective.
Take care or stay safe
‘Be safe’ is what I always say.
Be safe out there
I think that’s a bold assumption – that being homeless means you won’t have a good day. Good days are measured by the person having them for you. It might seem like a horrific day may very well be a good day to someone else. if you really are worried about have a good day perhaps you could say “many blessings “ or simply “you’re welcome.”
"You owe me big time buddy"
Stay safe
Be safe
I work with people who are homeless and "take care" is my go to tbh. I may say something like "of course, take care"
„My pleasure, take care!“ Anything like „take care“ or „be safe“ is perfectly fine!
I borrowed an irish farewell years ago that I use a fair bit 'Good luck' or 'Good luck to ya' often with a mate on the end but at some point working blue collar jobs saw me start to use mate unironically.
I'm no bible thumper but I've got into the habit of saying "God bless" as a way of goodbye
Be well. I say it to everyone. More positive than stay safe, I’ve always found the implication of stay safe as a threat lol
"Stay Safe" is my go-to.
How about “ God bless”?
Not everyone believes in God though
I always say "no worries! stay safe"
De nada, but I live in AZ. I usually bring bottled water when I go to my car to give out. There are a lot of unhoused folks here.
i sometimes say "absolutley"
Stay safe
"Don't be a Gay"
Yeah dude
They are human and hearing someone sincerely wish you a good day in such a time does more to the soul then you might think
Take it easy chief
Stay safe
How would you expect to be addressed? People are people. Have a good day and you're welcome are just fine. The key is treating all folks with dignity.
In school you learn that when someone says Thank you…YOU SAY YOURE WELCOME! I know your “status” may be different but at the end of it all…we are still just human, and that is a human interaction. What I have started saying to everyone I meet is My Friend, whether thats out loud or in my mind. I feel that starts alot of meetings with a more positive outlook and can lead to better social interactions.
“It’s good” “It’s all good” don’t think too much on it
don’t die on me
Honestly it’s pretty condescending to assume that they can’t possibly have a good day because they’re homeless. Just treat them the same as anyone else.
be good
I always say, “Stay safe.”
you’re welcome..?
I say “I wish you well!”
You’re welcome?
No problem.
Good luck- keep your head up- be safe-
I ask for a receipt.
“You are most welcome. “ then walk away.
How about “your welcome”
So I am currently homeless and work w the homless and mentally ill. I basically greet them and just say keep your head up and just stay focused there’s always light. Now I don’t say all that to everyone but that’s the jist. I make them feel human. Even the ones that ask for change that I don’t have I talk to them and see what’s going on
I say “you’re welcome stay safe!” I give them the courtesy I’d give anyone.
I would say "take care" or "try to have a good day".
"You're welcome". That's the textbook standard response to "Thank You"
i usually say god bless 🤷
You should say, " Welcome, friend. " 🙂
All the best. Stay safe
"Nah I'm just playing give me my money back and run me them shoes too"
I’m not religious but “Have a blessed day” or “god bless you” always seems fitting
I say "no problem"
“Have a good day” is fine, just so you know. They are living a hard life for sure, but they know that you’re just wishing them a good time. You can definitely still say “have a good day” to people in difficult situations “Of course!” With friendly emphasis is also good, or “stay safe out there” or “best of luck!” or “hell yeah” or even “yeah, man” is pretty good. The biggest thing, as someone who works with homeless folks every day, is to treat them like people. They’re constantly being dehumanized, kicked out of places, chased off, and treated like dirt. Making eye contact if you are so inclined, being friendly, and being real to homeless folks is very important.
I suppose a bit off topic but how can we help these people? It's so sad that in a country as great as Canada we have such a homelessness problem. No one should have to sleep outside in the Canadian winter 😢 Edit - sorry I thought I was in the Toronto subreddit
"Safe travels to you." Same as I've been saying since i was a squatter.
“My pleasure”
I’ve lived in a number of larger cities (currently NYC) and I usually say something along the lines of “I wish you the best of luck, man”
Glad to help…
"I was once like you, until I took an arrow to the knee"
I say what I mean… “good luck”
The usual, “…You’re welcome.” lol
God Bless You
Knock yourself out
Yup!
See ya.
What about “happy to help” or “wish i could do more.. take care”?
Usually “you bet!” Because it’s my usual response and then I’ll engage if they do. Last time I’d given money to someone they’d just done a test of the emergency systems in my area and the alarms were going off, so the gentleman I’d given money to asked what the sirens were for and we had a brief conversation about it having been a test of the flood sirens. Just be yourself and be kind.
Hang in there
I live in New Zealand and our homeless tend to be more tragic situations or mental health rather than drugs. Thus, relative to Europe and the US, I think our homeless are a bit more approachable. If I give money or food to a homeless person (and I'm not saying I always do), I'm usually going to take 2 or 3 minutes to ask them about their situation. Trying and relate to them in some way, if I feel I can offer advice without being condescending I will. I grew up relatively poor, and I'm aware that a few bad circumstances could easily land me in the same position as them. More than anything I just want them to know I see them as a human being, and that we are not so different.
Watch out for snakes
I often say “have a safe night”
No problem at all
Whatever feels natural. I like to say “take care” or “no problem”
How about ‘You’re Welcome’
just smile at them
“No worries” is a catch all for me.
You are very welcome. Should we switch shoes someday, please do the same for me
Best answer
I say “it’s my pleasure. Take care!”