Online Market Place
So I have listed a few things on Facebook Marketplace, since I am downsizing big time. It’s quite interesting, if you haven’t had this experience yet. Of course you talk to random people, I certainly have.
Some people lied right to my face, some are simply no-show without any courtesy notice, some agree on a price and when they show up, they want to pay 10% of the agreed price and grab 10 times more…
Some times, my mom was the only person dealing with these people, she finds it challenging yet addicting, negotiating in English. Sure, it’s exhausting, especially if you end up with the hardcore bargainer, who would not leave without a bagful of super buys. But at least she showed up, after she said she would. There are tons, confirming and promising they want whatever, and never showed up, even after setting a time and discussing logistics. I don’t get it why people would make empty promises and then don’t even have the basic respect to tell others the plan has changed, so they don’t waste other people’s time? Because there is no respect to others, I suppose.
Another one really bothered me was one lady, who really wanted me to help meeting her half way, because she got 4 kids, and has no time to travel or pick through things. Not a problem, I was glad to help. The day of, I already drove 20 minutes, 10 minutes from the agreed location, I messaged her to confirm she is on her way. She replied saying she had a flat tire. What’s your thought? Mine was that’s a lie. I have been in town for over 15 years, I had 2 flats total. But who knows, maybe that’s true. So I offered to drive the goods all the way to her instead of meeting half way. She quickly left the group.
I just don’t get it. Total strangers are more comfortable lying than telling the truth. She could have simply told me sorry I am no longer interested, what can happen? I wouldn’t be asking why, I still wouldn’t know who she is. Nothing different would happen from lying to my face. I am upset not only because she lied to me, or made me drive that far for nothing, but also she is the mother of 4 kids, what is she teaching them? She told me she had to drive with her kids, so she lied to me in front of her kids too. They would grow up, naturally thinking it’s OK to lie, a small lie here and there, small lies grow bigger, leading to no good.
Why can’t people just be honest, own up to their behaviors, and set good examples for their kids? I was born in the 80’s, I still consider myself old school, respect and honesty, two must-haves for people. That’s what I teach my kids, quite strict with them on these two matters too. Even though I feel like I am fighting against the norm nowadays, I still would give my all to bring up my kids kind and honest people. I can’t wait for these good qualities to come back in style soon!
