[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Fullwidth Post Title Header” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ background_color=”#f7f7f7″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(33,51,101,0)” parallax=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_module=”767″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title author=”off” date=”off” comments=”off” featured_placement=”background” text_background=”on” text_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” admin_label=”Fullwidth Post Title” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ title_font=”Playfair Display|900|||on||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#213365″ title_font_size=”55px” meta_font=”Poppins|500|on||||||” meta_text_align=”center” meta_font_size=”14px” meta_letter_spacing=”2px” meta_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_gradient_direction=”245deg” custom_padding=”130px||250px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”150px||150px” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” title_font_size_tablet=”45px” title_font_size_phone=”40px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Post Content” _builder_version=”4.9.0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Post Content” _builder_version=”4.9.0″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Very often, when we see homeless people, we are often confronted with a whole lot of uncomfortable emotions that we don’t want to feel. We might feel sympathy, anger (if we were sincere), fear for our financial security, we might feel guilty about our positions, or we may feel awkward about not knowing what to say or how to act.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
As dreadful as it sounds, sometimes it’s easier to pretend you can’t see homelessness. Other times, we’re so busy or caught up in our own lives that we don’t even know the situation right in front of us. You might sense aggression or frustration from homeless people; the problem is, the more frustrated we feel, the more people want to stay away from us. It’s a catch 22.<\/span><\/p>\n
Many of us deliberately shut out the strains and pressures of others, and while it doesn’t sound great, people are wired to focus on their survival. What we have to remember is that were are all humans with a need to be seen and valued as people; being ignored continuously is a catastrophic and dehumanizing experience.<\/span><\/p>\n
Don’t get us wrong; it would be wholly unrealistic to expect individual people to try and right all of the world’s wrongs, but think; what could be achieved if every one of us displayed micro acts of kindness every day?<\/span><\/p>\n
In this case, an act of kindness could be as small as a smile or a quick chat with someone who is down on their luck. If you are in a situation where you’re having a conversation with a homeless person, what do you say? You don’t have to state the obvious, and we have a few better suggestions.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/giving-love-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(535 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nCan I get you anything?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Seeing somebody struggling on the streets can be absolutely heart-wrenching. You might not know their story or how they got to where they are, but you can still relate to them on a personal level.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, even though they might not be in an ideal situation, homeless people are PEOPLE – a fact that too many people seem to overlook.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t need to offer cash to help the homeless. You may wish to buy them food if they look hungry or a hot coffee on a cold day.<\/p>\n
By simply asking if you can get them anything, you\u2019re making them feel human again. You\u2019re reminding him\/her that there are caring people in the world, and you genuinely only want to help – even if that\u2019s only by a small gesture.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t assume that somebody who is homeless will want you to buy them a sandwich or a drink; it\u2019s better to ask them in order to gauge a response.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/love-hearts-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(600 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 2″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 2 | <\/strong>Don\u2019t Feel Pressured To Give Change<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nI don\u2019t carry cash – is there another way I can help you?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The hard truth is that many people don\u2019t like to give their spare change to the homeless. This could be for a multitude of reasons, though it\u2019s common for people to believe that people who are homeless will only spend the cash on alcohol or drugs. Others may genuinely just not carry cash.<\/p>\n
This script is very similar to the last one, only instead of offering to physically get something, be it food or a drink, you\u2019re asking if there is any way you can help. Somebody who is homeless may not know the city too well, especially if they\u2019ve only just arrived, so may benefit from directions.<\/p>\n
They may ask you where the nearest hostel or restaurant is, or if they can make a phone call – how you help is entirely up to you. It\u2019s important to remember that you should only ever act on things that you are comfortable doing.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/man-talking-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(660 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Copyright and Affiliate Links Notice” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_module=”10507″ locked=”on”]<\/p>\n
Illustrations courtesy of <\/i>Shutterstock<\/strong>.<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
This article was originally published on <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>. If this article appears on any other site other than <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong> without clear referencing it is a violation of the copyright owned by <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/i><\/p>\n
This article may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <\/span><\/em>Never the Right Word is a participant in the Awin Affiliates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to participating merchants.<\/span><\/em>\u00a0For more information, please view our <\/span><\/em>Privacy Policy and Earnings Disclosure page.<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Template 3 | <\/strong>Talk To Them<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nHow are you doing?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
A simple conversation can go a long way. Homeless people are overlooked by most people who pass them, which can be a demoralizing or dehumanizing experience.<\/p>\n
You should endeavor to just talk to them as if they were a friend or acquaintance. Those who are homeless generally express loneliness, and a casual conversation can help to brighten their day, even if only for a few minutes.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/speech-bubbles-communication-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(765 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 4 | Sit down next to them (but only if you feel comfortable enough to do so)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
\nHey, did you catch the game?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This one isn\u2019t so much something that you can say; it\u2019s more of how you can act. Someone who is homeless might be propped against a door or sat on the floor, meaning that many passers-by will talk to them by looking down on them.<\/p>\n
Looking down on someone as you talk can be intimidating and rude, so if you do choose to speak to someone who is down on their luck, you should adhere to do it at their own level.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t sit next to them if you feel uncomfortable doing so – you absolutely need to prioritize your own wellbeing first.<\/p>\n
If you do choose to sit down next to a homeless person as you speak to them, you can improve their mood or prompt them to be more responsive.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/good-communication-men-women-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(450 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 5 | <\/strong>A Friendly Greeting<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nGood morning<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Good afternoon<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Hey!<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
You don\u2019t need to have a lengthy conversation – sometimes, a friendly greeting can be enough to drastically improve their day.<\/p>\n
Say hello as you would to anyone else; it\u2019s one of the best ways to casually interact with someone. A simple greeting can help to remind a homeless man or woman that they are really no different from anyone else – they\u2019re just in a different situation.<\/p>\n
Even if you see the same person every day, you should always say good morning or good afternoon. It might help them to realize that you actually care, and your actions will not go unnoticed. Why not try bringing them a coffee every once in a while? The relationship will help you to provide hope which they may otherwise not have.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 6″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 6 | <\/strong>Wish Them Well<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nGood luck with the future!<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
If you do happen to have a chat with a homeless person, you don\u2019t need to leave it awkwardly. There\u2019s absolutely nothing wrong to wish them luck for the future, especially if you know you won\u2019t see them for a long time.<\/p>\n
Homeless people are not any different from anyone else, so you shouldn\u2019t treat them as if they were. If you\u2019d wish a friend or family member that you don\u2019t see too often a successful future, you should try to do the same to the homeless.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a polite interaction, and you never know: your words might inspire them!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/speech-marks-communication-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(800 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 7″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 7 | <\/strong>Ask About Their Pet<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nHe\u2019s lovely! What breed is he? Do you mind if I pet him?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Many homeless people that you come across will be accompanied by a trusty pet; sometimes it\u2019s a friendly pup that loves to say hello, other times it\u2019s a weather-worn old boy who\u2019s content to watch the world fly by.<\/p>\n
If you notice a homeless person has a pet, it could be a great way to strike up a conversation. You may want to ask if you can pet their companion, or just about their story. Either way, most people will be more than happy to tell you about their furry friend.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be put off if they say no, as not everyone likes to show their animal off. It might even be wary of people. You should use the opportunity to ask about their day, or to offer help in some way.<\/p>\n
If a homeless person is accompanied by a pet, why not ask them if you can bring them some pet food or some old bedding that you no longer use?<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
At Never the Right Word, our aim is to give you practical examples of how to handle life\u2019s difficult conversations. If you have an awkward situation that you\u2019d like example templates for, request a topic here<\/b><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in further reading, we\u2019ve also included links to our trusted resources and related posts below. To find out more\u00a0about NTRW<\/b><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0our\u00a0recommended tools<\/b><\/span><\/a>,<\/b> you can do that\u00a0here<\/b>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
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