I'm Not Even Mad


I just got a great practical lesson on the art of salesmanship.

And what’s more, I got fleeced by an old lady.

I ended up giving her 10 bucks. But on the other hand, the 10 bucks was well worth the lesson she gave me.

I was walking down Bush Street in San Francisco when she walked up to me. she was smiling in a way that made me think she was vaguely insane, while saying the words “peace” and “love” constantly. So she didn’t look like a salesman. Point to her.

Before I even knew what was happening, she had handed me a wafer while saying the word “peace” and had put up “peace bracelet” on my arm. Then she got out a little booklet with a name that I noticed also had spots for email and donation amount. The second that I noticed the bracelet on my arm and saw that, I knew she had me. Annoyed and impressed, I gave her $10 and then threw the bracelet in the trash.

My mistake was in letting her take control of my body by putting the bracelet on it without resisting. I’ve done the same thing to plenty of people. My initial goal is just to shake their hand. I find people are much more agreeable when you’re in contact with them for whatever reason.

So props to you, old lady. Maybe that temple deserves to be built after all.

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