DEAR ABBY: My husband and I enjoy drinking wine. Because of our busy schedule, we often stock up when there is a sale for the sake of convenience. I cannot tell you how many times the cashier at the grocery or discount store will comment, "Are you having a party?" or "Boy, you sure do drink a lot of wine." As a customer, I find this both rude and embarrassing. Do you have any advice on how to respond to let them know that I find this to be poor customer service? -- SHY WINE LOVER
DEAR SHY: Cashiers in retail businesses are on the front lines of public relations. It's important to keep in mind that when they make conversation, they are trying to be friendly. Because you are buying alcohol in quantity, it's not unusual for someone to think you are having a party, and the question isn't rude. All you have to do is say no.
However, if the clerk comments about the amount of wine he or she assumes you are consuming, you are perfectly within your rights to tell that person the comment is inappropriate and, frankly, offensive.