Strange encounter at diner with family: what would you do?

[Gman106]

I told my daughter that we don't take stuff from strangers, and that there is a lollipop at home for her. I examined the lollipop later tonight, and then discarded it so no one would mistakenly eat it. It looked alright, and probably was alright, but it's not worth a risk.

Halloween is officially dead.

[American1776]

Halloween is officially dead.

Hahahahh. She's a smart kid. She'll probably ask that exact question.

We only go to the neighbors we know.

[FJW]

I think you were right along the lines of how I would feel.
I would "remember" gun but I'd keep my attention on the bag and not smile too much.

I know there are plenty of people who mean well...but don't know better...and really should mind their own fucking business.

I may eventually react with politically correct acceptance and a wry smile and a slight nod of approval for being generous...but I try to also hint that deep down I dont really appreciate it and am skeptical ...and that you may be playing with something you don't fully understand...which might make you reconsider things if youve got grooming and bribery and debauchery on your mind.

Sinister skepticism. Perfectly acceptable reaction, IMNHO.

Edit: Added word "fucking" before "business".

[TaePo]

Unfortunately, in today's world people need to be smart about how they approach strangers and how it might look.

They should be sure it is ok to engage with the child, maybe compliment the parents. Then ask if it is ok to give candy or toy etc. Parents should decide. Maybe there are allergies to consider or behavioral issues with too much sugar/carbs etc. Don't blindly approach and whip out something from a bag, purse or pocket. It won't look right to anyone paying attention.

I always ask, "Is it ok to give xyz candy or toy?" I always was strict with my children, especially in public so others did not have to deal with bad behavior. Of course, one must consider age appropriateness, but misbehave and show no signs of calming down, we leave. So I appreciate others who do the same. Firmness and consistency are the two most important ingredients (which works for any kind of training - animal behavior, people behavior, OJT etc.)

[mpan72]

I would have pulled my gun and taken all of his candy.

[brewguy]

Perhaps your Dad is right and not everyone is out to kill you. Some of you guys way over react to other people.

I also wonder if you guys think this way because you're carrying a gun?

[FJW]

When I was about 21, I was driving home one October night from work.... 19 miles from a city butcher shop to our house in the boonies. I passed my old high school, and was about to make a turn for the last 4-mile stretch to our neighborhood. Then I saw some character walking very quickly and stealthily from around a house and down into another yard with a paper bag over his hand as if looking for something or someone, and with puspose. This immediately struck me as sinister. I turned right around at the custard stand and hustled back up the road to the police station and told the first cop that I saw. He grabbed his shit, took my number, and headed out to his cruiser. Never heard anything of it again. But I think i could easily have done the right thing. The guy in that yard clearly had something kind of shady going on.

[streaker69]

The guy was last seen leaving the parking lot...

[American1776]

Perhaps your Dad is right and not everyone is out to kill you. Some of you guys way over react to other people.

I also wonder if you guys think this way because you're carrying a gun?

you misunderstood: my father was more disturbed that the guy could have killed us all, right there, and that's what he was worried about after it all happened.

If I weren't carrying a gun, I'd probably be more inclined to over-react knowing I wasn't armed. Being armed allows us some realm of options of staying quite, that being unarmed precludes.

[normanvin]

It was an odd situation to be sure. I grew up in a generation that it was not unusual for older people to keep hard tack in their pocket and offer a piece to people they stopped to talk with.

Even today I see people that carry dog treats to offer to dogs they might run into at the flea market.

Now if I happen to start running into this guy more often I would become concerned. I to would not have given the candy to the child.