u/WingsOfBuffalo

My wife and I have been going to Mary’s for the past year since moving to Walnut Creek. We love their breakfast and lunch sandwiches. They’ve always been so friendly to us and our daughter.

Today we walked by and the whole place has changed! Anyone know anything about it? Did the couple retire or what? We’re devastated!

Last night, I was home alone with my sleeping 2yo, puppy, and older dog. My wife was at the store. Around 8pm I heard a knock on the door and answered in my bathrobe, thinking my wife needed a hand with groceries.

Instead, it was a 30-something man, who said his phone died and asked if he could borrow my phone. I was holding the puppy back with one hand and holding the door with the other. I said “Sorry man, I can’t help you tonight” and closed the door. As I closed it, he said “wow, that’s kind of f*cking rude.”

This made the hairs on my neck stand up. I went around locking windows and doors, and texted my wife that I would come help with groceries when she got home.

I explained to her what happened and was surprised she didn’t seem to agree with my reaction. She said I could have found a way to help or pointed him towards a store nearby. I said I would have been happy to help if she had been home. I could have stepped out and helped him without leaving the toddler or dogs alone.

But by myself, at 8pm, if the dude had had ill intentions, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. If I had lent him my phone and he took off or pulled out a weapon, I couldn’t even call 911.

I now feel conflicted. I want to be able to help those in need without assuming the worst of them. But I also trusted my gut, being the only adult at home. So, Reddit, AITA? Should I have helped? Was saying “not tonight” really f*cking rude?