DEAR MISS MANNERS: I work in a midsized department, where everyone has their own office. Often, people will bring in all kinds of treats. When these are placed in a common space, this is wonderful. However, occasionally someone will actually go from office to office, offering the goodies.
What should one do if one does not wish to partake of said treats? I am afraid of refusing for fear of offending, yet do not like the idea of taking the treat and then throwing it out.
Sometimes, actually quite often, I enjoy indulging in these goodies. But sometimes they are not on my "favorites" list, and I would rather pass. Several of us in the office have this problem. What is the best way to handle this?
GENTLE READER: What business are you in, Miss Manners wonders, where the employees might be emotionally damaged if someone declined having one of their cookies?
The phrase you are searching for is "No, thank you." Expanded, if the person lingers, it would be "They look delicious, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass this time." In the unlikely event that this brings on a torrent of tears, your next inquiry would be to find out what else is wrong.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)