There I am, sitting at lunch, my half hour of relaxation, indulging in my very own Lunchable. Just then, they begin their rounds, coming toward you, eyeing your food, your money, or even your homework. They want something. They're hungry, thirsty, need answers to problem sets, 60 cents for a Pepsi, something to keep them busy. There is no time to avoid them, to get up and get a drink, or even hide under the table. They may have an innocent look about them, but their thoughts are quite the opposite. Then pops the question- "Can I borrow...." What's this word, borrow? Borrowing implies having the intention of returning something to the person you have borrowed from. Why not just come out and say "Can I have?" I know they often have no intention of paying me back which results in my first instinct, "not again". But then somehow I find myself sharing a few chips, or a couple of quarters. . .never to be seen again. Empty Pockets lead to....
by Kim Luhrs
The Attack of the Marian Moochers
This, plain and simple, is Moochism.
I like to think of myself as a generous person, but handing out to those same few over and over who have mastered the art of sponging your things can get a little tedious. Maybe it's my stingy side coming out, but there is a trend that has developed in certain people to just mooch their way through lunch, school, and who knows, maybe even their life.
I'm not saying that I haven't borrowed money or a stick of Trident before, I have. But at least I have the intention of paying those kind souls back, whether directly, or by sharing something with them. I could not imagine always taking from other people... it would just make me feel helpless. How do you expect to survive in life if you don't do anything for yourselves? Maybe some of us need to re-learn the concept of sharing. It takes place between two peopleIand one person isn't always expected to be the giver. So the next time you think about committing the act of Moochism, donUt forget to check your own pockets for spare change.
Return to the Network Editorials Index