Asking people for money is never a particularly pleasant task. This week I’ve been fundaising for Relay for Life, and have felt the pressure of being asked to raise at least 100 dollars. In lots of ways goals are good, but I think this ‘required goal’ so to speak must deter some people from signing up. I’m up to $89, but the first $69 were raised in about 15 minutes from just asking people I ran into in my home town (none of them, of course, had been asked to donate to relay for life, since the event isn’at actually held there). Back to the ‘big city’ things are tougher. I know very few adults here, so I’ve mostly been asking teachers, but a lot of them have already donated a lot. I dislike how uncomfortable the whole process makes people, especially when they’ve already donated. I think it’s a tricky situation for people to be put in, because, well, they feel like they’ve done enough, or donated enough, or that they shouldn’t have to donate their hard earned cash, but most people have trouble saying no to a good cause on some level or another, and there’s social pressure to contribute. So it brings up unpleasant feelings of self-worth, and issues about what exactly ‘being good’ and ‘doing your part’ mean. And maybe, a little bit of that frustration comes back at the person asking. However, I’m incredibly greatful to everyone who has donated, or who has even cheerfully declined. I really try not to ask too much of my friends, family and neighbours, and I think it’s really okay to say no. It’s just so much nicer when that ‘no’ doesn’t seem to hold any kind of resentment, because really we’re only trying to do good. Then again, maybe I’m a little over sensitive, plus I haven’t eaten lunch yet.