Dear Christine,
During a recent visit to Barbados, a friend remarked that I was “selfish” for not giving advanced notice that I was coming down.
Months ago a friend told him I had not been well. It’s obvious because I have lost plenty of weight. Nevertheless, he continued: “Had I known you could have brought three to four . . . because children like them.”
Last year his brother planned to order a suit via the Internet and have it delivered to me in the United States. When I inquired how he’d get it, he replied: “You can bring it when you come.”
Here’s my response: Airlines allow passengers one checked suitcase weighing 50 pounds. What he wanted me to bring was 20 per cent of the total weight allowance. In addition, there are extra charges for being overweight and carrying another suitcase.
My behaviour is about self-preservation. I am tired of emails and telephone calls with requests from people. I wish to travel without dragging tons of luggage.
Christine, I believe if they want items from the United States, they should come over and shop for what they want. I have stopped hauling other people’s stuff.
– Furious
Dear Furious,
I believe I know exactly how you must be feeling now and how you felt then. It is true that some people take things too far and are not considerate of the fact that most Barbadians who live abroad usually shop for relatives or very close friends when they are returning home on a visit.
It truly is unfair for some people to expect you to deliver items to their doorsteps – especially in these days of online shopping.
I hope your letter will open the eyes of all those who usually ask to have a favour done time and again, without considering the weight and cost sometimes involved.
I’ll be bold enough to say, if they would travel for what they want themselves, it would boost the economy more.
– CHRISTINE
