Failure one (language barrier):

OLD MAN IN CAR (slowly with heavy accent): Excuse me. I am looking for Murdale Shopping Center.

ME: Okay, you need to turn around and then take a left on Oakland right here.

OMIC: Left on Oakland.

ME: Yes, then take a right when you get to the highway . . . I think that's Main St . . . and go down and Murdale Shopping Center will be on your left.

OMIC: Left on Oakland.

ME: Yes.

OMIC: Thank you. [drives away]

Failure two (ignorance):

WOMAN IN CAR: Do you know where the halfway house is?

ME: No. Sorry.