So I was walking to class earlier today when a fundraiser approached me and asked for a donation. I told them that I was in a rush, but they completely ignored it and said, "This will be really fast." They then proceeded to explain what they were asking donations for. I don't remember what they said, but they had these pamphlets showing photos of nature, so it must have been for nature conservation or something. I told them that I didn't have cash with me, which was a lie. I always bring some with me in case I get hungry and there's a vending machine nearby. Anyway, this person was like, "It's okay, we accept credit cards too," and that's when I knew they were exaggerating.
I thought donations were supposed to be voluntary, so why was this person making me feel like it was my responsibility to give? I couldn't respond. I didn't know how, and I still don't. I was caught off-guard because what kind of person asks for a donation and brings a credit card reader with them? My mind started to race. It was like we were playing chess and this person was about to checkmate me. My brain was already overworking but still couldn't process what it had just heard. In the end, I just gave up and let out a look. I don't remember what type of look it was, but it must have been a very special one because, somehow, it prompted the fundraiser to ask, "Do you have a job?" Without hesitation, I lied and said, "No, I don't." I can't tell you how happy that question made me. This person literally gave me the best excuse not to pull out my wallet in the middle of the goddamn street full of people. Anyway, after hearing that, the fundraiser gave me this disgusted, patronizing look which almost made me laugh out loud, then said, "Get out of here, man. Go find a job." I said, "I'm really sorry, man," then walked away.
This was only about a minute-long interaction, but it's been bothering me for hours. I mean, sure, the person lied. But I didn't really care about that. I was totally okay with giving out the little cash that I had; I just didn't want to take my wallet out. Why did I lie twice? Could I have handled the situation better? Should I have just walked away the moment the fundraiser approached me, like what most people typically do in those situations? How do you say no without lying or being rude? I need answers.