A man just asked me the time.

[Wirkwirk]

That hasn't happened for years and years.

It quickly became apparent that he had some learning difficulties and was waiting for someone, but I have to admit my first (internal) response was that I was about to be mugged. I'm a bit ashamed of myself, but is this what society has created or is it me?

Its unusual that an adult doesnt have access to the time these days isnt it. I see someone via work who asks daily, in that case drugs, menral and physical ill health play a factor.

The traditional response is “if you’ve got the money”.

Im 41 and forever asking people for the time! I don't wear a watch and mostly don't take my phone on school run.

I asked someone the other day as I didn't have my phone on me. I didn't mug them and it never crossed my mind. I don't think it's what society has created. I'm in a not especially crime-free part of South London, lived here 30+ years (mugging-free, touch wood!) and it's not something I associate with mugging. Obviously it's good to stay alert for risks, but I don't think it's that bad just yet.

The correct response is 'Time you got a watch'.

Wow I had this conversation the other day, saying how kids are more inwards as they don’t speak to the general public . And I used that example of asking a stranger for the time . I also said if someone asked me for the time now I would probably thing they was trying to rob me . So no you’re not the only one but yes sad world we live in .

No one's asked me that in ages either OP.

I haven't been asked if I had a 'light' for ages either, used to get that, oh and no one asks the way to anywhere either, since more people have phones to ask for that ( erm...not the lighter of course) but yeah, unfortunately I too would be a bit uh oh, of someone made a bee-line over to me to ask the time these days too.

I would feel the same - that I would take out my phone and the person would grab it and run. Luckily I have a watch. I don’t think it’s you, it’s a combination of not being asked for the time very often (making it an unusual experience) and hearing about or seeing phone snatchers. I would also never let a stranger use my phone if theirs had run out of battery (unless clearly a crime or accident has happened) and I live in a very safe area, it’s just not sensible

It’s a long while since I’ve been asked the time. But just a few days ago a total stranger made a request I’ve never heard in my 70+ years. I parked my car outside a local Spar shop just next to a large bin. I had the window open about to drive away when a young inebriated guy in his 20’s stopped alongside me.

He gave me a big smile and said hiya darling, I’ll just be a minute in the shop, could you look after my fag till I come out? Then he balanced his still lit cigarette on top of the bin next to me 🤣

I apologised and said I was in a hurry and just about to leave. But it did made me chuckle on the way home picturing myself guarding his cigarette and challenging anyone who touched it.

I would also presume theivery was afoot! I have been asked the time at some point inthe last year or so and I just guessed it back to them, for example "about 1pm".

The one I remember is "if you've got the energy". Never said it, they might say yes.

Years ago in some rough areas a man asking for the time required you to hit him and run before his mates round the corner got you as you looked down at your watch. It was a real thing.

Yeh I get you . I suppose the fact that everyone has a phone now makes it unusual. I can understand why you would have an internal flash of fear about being mugged. It’s safer to have such instincts to be honest .

Should have said it would cost him his name, six digit number, and a date with you tomorrow at 9

I just remembered now that years ago, my DH and I were swimming in a public swimming area and DH asked a man who was with his family looking at us as they strolled by; " what time is it please"?
The man stared straight back and said: " what time would you like it to be"?
Seemed a bit rude to me!

We were in Cardiff once years ago and a man came up to me and my dh and children and asked if he could talk to us. He had a stammer and wanted to try speaking to strangers. We listened to him for about five minutes and he was fine. A nice chap.
I’ve never been asked the time for many years. Most people use their phones if they don’t have a watch.

but I have to admit my first (internal) response was that I was about to be mugged. I'm a bit ashamed of myself, but is this what society has created or is it me?

We can't say because we don't know you OP.

Some are more wary of their surroundings, some less so and some are scared of their own shadow.

But it was ever thus.

This reminded me of when I was on placemnt during my nursing training. I had to.walk through a really dodgy estate to get to the train station, well known for violence and drugs.

A man stopped me and asked for the time, I had that awful feeling that something bad was about to happen. He also stood far too close for comfort.

Rather than pull my phone out like I would usually, I unzipped my jacket to check the fob watch attached to my uniform.

He stepped back, asked if I was a nurse, I said yes and he said ok thanks and walked away.

I'll forever be convinced that he planned to mug me that evening and that he had a change of mind when he saw my uniform.

I often wonder if people are after something if they ask me anything. Ds2 was scammed by someone asking him for money and he gave her a five pound note and she kicked off , obviously a scammer and he fell for it :(
( asking for more money !)
You live and learn though when it comes to some people who don’t have a moral compass.