Why do jamaicans find it so easy to beg.

[jeannieb]

Jeannie, I understand your disappointment, but I want to be clear that when I've been talking about the "business friendship", that's not a negative - it's just that I need to keep clear in my own mind what's going on.

I competly understand and agree that it is not a negative. I think it is important that people be aware of the "business friendship" before they get attached and label it "friendship". There is nothing wrong with either, both are great, but both parties need to know where the line is drawn. There is a difference, it's just taken us a bit longer to learn that.

They'll look out for us while we're there (to some extent), and I'll compensate them (to some extent). They'll be genuinely be happy to see me, and I'll be happy to see them.

Same here, some day. But now we'll be more aware of who is genuine in true friendship and who is not.

But I do occasionally need to say (at least to myself) "BS" when I'm hearing a story about why someone needs money, and I don't give them my contact information back at home. In the same way as I don't want to encourage anyone to beg, I don't want to encourage anyone to become a con artist.

I try to implement that practice already but if I take it too far I am afraid I am going to come off as some cynical, cranky lady who is mean to everyone.
I need to get thicker skin. This next trip I am applying what I have learned from fellow boardies and see how it goes.