【Watch FakeHub Originals Vol. 6 Online】
Doormat
Our Daily Correspondent
While I was paying for a jute doormat, the salesman asked me if I’d like to make a donation toward some children’s charity.
“Uh, sure,” I said. “Two dollars?”
He suddenly produced a string of jingle bells and started pealing it jubilantly. “Thank you!” he screamed, as all his colleagues joined in with similar enthusiasm. I looked at the floor in shamed horror.
As he handed me the large plastic bag containing the prickly mat, I overheard the woman at the next register ask a customer if he, too, would like to make a donation.
“I’m fine,” the guy said, as casually as possible.
I’m fine. As if his well-being had ever been in question! And yet, she accepted his refusal without visible resentment. And maybe he was fine: fine with the decision to not give some nominal amount. Fine with who he is. Fine not being pressured. Fine not being celebrated, as if two dollars is real generosity. Maybe he chose to give differently. Maybe he was really selfish. Whatever: he was fine.
And then, outside, there was a guy with a clipboard blocking my path. “Do you want to end bullying?” he demanded, seemingly without irony.
I wanted to say it, even then I wanted to say it: I’m fine. I wanted to be fine. I wanted to be fine coming out of a store with a large bag and still not helping to end bullying. I even wanted, maybe, to be the one with a jingle bell. But instead I turned to avoid him, and muttered, “No, thank you,” and he turned on a man with a small child.
Sadie Stein is contributing editor of The Paris Review, and the Daily’s correspondent.
Search
Categories
Latest Posts
SpaceX's Starlink satellite launch in pictures
2025-06-26 10:33Get 40% off floor care at Target
2025-06-26 09:49Meta continues its submission to Trump with new advisor on its board
2025-06-26 09:25Popular Posts
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: $40 off at Amazon
2025-06-26 10:09DDR4 Memory at 4000 MT/s, Does It Make a Difference?
2025-06-26 09:33Featured Posts
Best robot vacuum deal: Save $200 on Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum
2025-06-26 10:56Wordle today: The answer and hints for December 29
2025-06-26 10:12Chargers vs. Patriots 2024 livestream: How to watch NFL online
2025-06-26 08:41Best Samsung deal: Save $60 on 64GB Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
2025-06-26 08:39Popular Articles
NYT Strands hints, answers for April 26
2025-06-26 10:32Colts vs. Giants 2024 livestream: How to watch NFL online
2025-06-26 10:15Bomb Envy
2025-06-26 09:24Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
Comments (86238)
Wisdom Convergence Information Network
Ryzen 5 1600X vs. 1600: Which should you buy?
2025-06-26 10:04Unique Information Network
NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for December 25: Tips to solve Connections #93
2025-06-26 09:53Fashion Information Network
OpenAI reveals how it will transform into a for
2025-06-26 09:41Progress Information Network
'Doctor Who' Christmas specials ranked, and where to watch them
2025-06-26 08:54Elite Information Network
NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for May 18: Tips to solve Connections #237
2025-06-26 08:43