At the heart of much speculative fiction (and fiction in general) is a question. What if? On Tuesdays I like to throw one out there and see what you make of it. Do with it as you please. If a for-instance is not specified, feel free to interpret that instance as you wish. And if you find this becomes a novel-length answer, I'd appreciate a thank you in the acknowledgements ;)
Have you heard about the Powerball Lottery? Suddenly everyone seems to have gone crazy over it...
What if you discovered that an acquaintance (a neighbor, coworker, someone you see regularly at your coffee shop...) won the lottery some time ago? Assuming you wouldn't be gauche enough to ask for a loan or something, how would you then treat that person?
I think I would treat them with respect. If they didn't let the winnings go to their head and carried on as normal with their life; I would have to hand that too them and appreciate they might have a bit of humility rather than flaunting their riches to all to see. I think I would treat them just the same as before I knew of their winnings.
ReplyDeletebetty
Sounds like a great plan.
DeleteHonestly, I'd either (a) treat him or her the same or (b) become more distant, perhaps out of envy.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm with you on "b". I would probably grow distant as well.
DeleteI would give them privacy and would never ask them about it!
ReplyDeleteThat's good of you.
DeleteI'd treat them the same. They might not have shared that information with me, but then again, considering how vultures sweep in, I wouldn't blame them for a little secrecy.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting question, because, years ago, I did know a lottery winner. Interacting with this person (who lived in another state) on a professional level, I saw what the lottery win did to his personal life. It was a cautionary tale. I would also give the person privacy and try to treat him or her the same, agreeing with several of your other commenters. I am going to blog about Powerball tomorrow. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteIt's a hot topic right now.
DeleteI don't think I would treat them any differently unless it changes how they start behaving. It's just an acquaintance, so it's not like the money could do much to our relationship unless I let it.
ReplyDeleteI would treat them the same even if I was tempted to say I know your secret but I wouldn't. I would never tell anyone else that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I would treat that person like I would want to be treated, if the role was reversed. I would not expect anything from that person and I certainly wouldn't ask to borrow money from them, even if it were someone really close like family. I would be VERY happy for that person and give them congrats, etc but that's it. I think it's wonderful when someone has good fortune or is successful in life.
ReplyDeleteYou asked, would I'd congratulate the lucky winner if they were keeping it quiet? That being the case then I would only congratulate them in private. Let's hope I know in advance that's what my friend the PowerBall winner wants.:D
DeleteI hope I'd treat them exactly the same. They obviously took some pains to keep the fact a secret precisely because they didn't want people treating them differently or asking for a handout.
ReplyDeleteIt would depend on how well I knew them in the first place. If they were a mere acquaintance I would probably look at them with envy! And smile!
ReplyDeleteIf it were a close friend, it would be different. I wasn't sure which way I was going to word the question for a while.
DeleteI don't think it would bother me because I wouldn't announce it either. I'd quietly tell my close family members and that's it. My lips would be sealed. But others might be able to find out I won some kind of money if I bought a new house. Haha!
ReplyDeleteDepends on what sort of house (and where it was), I expect.
DeleteAs long as they're not behaving differently I'm not going to either. I know people of all financial levels and it's never been a big deal to me. They'd probably get an "omg how fun!" but that's about it. lol
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