My $30 Experiment in Trust

Why hello there! I know it's been decades since I've written on this thing, but the other day I realised why I have kept it around: just in case I have a story to share that happens to be over 140 characters. Clearly I'm more of a curator when it comes to this social media business.

Anyway, here is my awesome story about human nature and trust and whatnot.

This past Saturday, for whatever reason, I decided to go to a The Beer Store within the City of Toronto. As is customary, I walked up to the person working at the till to put my order in, and below is an abridged, Astrid'ised version of the dialogue that took place. Also, I took out some details, to make it less boring, and since I don't know what employee policies are at that chain of stores.

Moi: Hello, can I please get a six of 416*?
Beer Store Person: We actually don't carry it yet in this store.
Moi: As if! Okay fine, I'll get PBR.
BSP: Some comment about hipsters followed by "sure, how many?"
Moi: Does it look like I can carry a twelve-pack**?
BSP: Well I don't know, maybe you wanted a two-four!
Moi: Ha. Not unless you're going to bring it to my house for me.
BSP: Sure, I get off work after 7pm.

I think at that point we were both slightly amazed that we were both agreeing to this. Needless to say, I paid for the beer, left the Beer Store Person my address, and walked away. A few hours later, just after 7pm, I had 24 cans of PBR sitting in my house all thanks to Beer Store Person!

BSP hung out with the group of us for a little while, and we talked about how from my perspective there was a possibility of never actually getting to see that beer. From the BSP's perspective there was the possibility of walking up to a house that could be full of dangerous people, or something along those lines. While both parties knew of what could go wrong, we both went through with our end of the little bargain.

So here lies some interesting questions about where we (humans) are in life. Why is everyone so surprised that this went off without a hitch? Is it a good thing we are all so cautious that we do not expect help or kindness from strangers? Is it ingrained in human nature to be so cautious? Or is it a result of our current society? The beer set me back just over $30; would I have done this with something worth more money? Who knows!

There you have it. There is something spectacular to me about this, so I thought I would pass it along.

Until next time, mes amis!
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*(416) is the 25th Anniversary Beer for the Amsterdam Brewery here in Toronto. It's my latest favourite accessory when in a beer drinking environment, as I am relatively proud of my city.
**I am fairly small in stature, and not the most strong person ever.