At Least Dracula Left You Alone Afterwards

Dear Alisa and Gina,

I have been donating blood occasionally for about two years, and I do understand there’s a serious need for it. However, once I started giving – I started getting several calls from the Blood Center a week, asking when I would donate again. The calls became intrusive. I was being called evenings, weekends, early mornings. They would only stop for a while when I made another appointment. I finally asked the Blood Center to stop calling – and they did. I’d like to start giving again, but don’t want the relentless phone calls. I know I’m talking about one specific organization here – but it happens with a lot of them. Any suggestions? – Bled dry

You raise a question that really plagues so many of our day to day interactions. We try to get information or be giving and we are overwhelmed with what so quickly feels relentless and impersonal. I think you were right to tell them to stop calling you and that’s really all you can do. Whenever you offer to help you can be clear about how and when you are contacted and in some cases that will be enough, and when it’s not you can let the organization know why you’re withdrawing your support. ~ Alisa

Next time, don’t give them your phone number. ~ Gina