Ethical dilemma #034
You promised to help a friend move, but you are exhausted. Would you go?
You told your friend you would help on Saturday. After working late all week, you need rest. He is counting on you for the move.
Related reflectionHelping Everyone Can Leave Too Little Time for Your Own Needs↗What would you do in this situation?
Choose an answer before continuing.
The context
On Monday you told your friend Luis that you would help him move on Saturday. Luis rented a van. He has to get the furniture out before noon because he is handing over the keys to his old apartment that day.
During the week you worked late on four nights. By Friday you are very tired and need to rest on Saturday. Luis still expects you to come. If you say no, he will have only a few hours to find someone else. If you go, you will keep your promise but will not be able to rest.
You can help all morning, tell him tonight that you will not come, or help for just an hour. Luis organized the move counting on you. You need to recover. You have to decide what to do and tell him today.
A perspective to continue
Luis needs help and you need rest. What can you honestly offer after telling him you would be there?
04
What your decision prioritizes
Luis would have the help he was counting on. You would spend Saturday without resting.
Luis would immediately know he needs to change his plans. He might not find anyone on such short notice.
You would help a little and have time to rest. One hour might not be enough to load all the furniture.
How other people responded
Percentages will appear after enough responses have been collected.
0 recorded decisions
05
Luis calls: he has hurt his back and cannot carry furniture. He has already asked other people, but nobody can come on Saturday.
Now that you know this, would you stand by your decision?
Stand by it
The new information does not change your decision. Consider whether your original reasons still hold in light of what you have just learned.
Change it
What you have just learned leads you to choose a different response. Which detail changed how you see the situation?
I need to know more
The new information leaves you with an important question. What would you need to ask before acting?
0% changed their mind after learning the new context


