so how much should you do to help a stranger?

[Twiglett]

Lady just knocked on my door .. she's from a few doors down and her door slammed shut and locked her out .. never even seen her before in my life .. she's probably about 10 years older than me

I invited her in to use the phone .. and found her a few numbers from phone book and internet .. unfortunately they seemed too expensive for her .. she wanted to call fire brigade but I said I didn't think they'd come out

I offered her our ladder (but its too short)

And then she went off to try to find a builder

so how come I feel guilty?

Well short of breaking into her house i dont see what else you could do other than offer her use of the loo and refreshments.

Sounds like you did all you could! She could always smash a little window.

The fire brigade wouldn't come out, I'm sure. I was told off for ringing 999 when my 9 month old DS got locked in the car on a hot sunny day and I couldn't get it open. Not a "life or death situation". I begged to differ, seeing the sweat drip down his brow.

she's found a builder .. just seen him going past with long ladder

phew

feeling less guilty

YOu feel guilty just because nothing you offered was a solution for her. It's irrational though - you did as much as I would have done. I'd have felt the same as you, but what else could you do?!

what can a builder do?

she needs a locksmith so will just have to bite the bullet and pay for one

you did all you could to help

I don't think you should feel guilty.

What else could you do? (other than paying for the locksmith or whatever, which I wouldn't expect to do).

I generally go by what I would hope someone else would do for me in the same situation.

Does she not have a partner/signif. other who could come home with a key?

I think you were very kind.

Round here I doubt anyone would even invite you in!

you couldnt have done more. Sounds a bit dodgy getting a builder, how could he be sure it was her house?

Fire brigade will only come out if:

a) she's left the cooker on or
b) there are small children locked inside.

They may come out otherwise, but if they do they would charge her for it. This is more expensive than builder etc.

You did more than a lot of people would and have nothing to feel guilty about.