DEAR MISS MANNERS: At most retail establishments, including banks, I am constantly being asked if I would like to open a new credit card. I always say, "No, thank you."
The follow-up question is always, "May I ask why?"
I will flatly tell them, "No, you may not," which usually leads to belligerent attitudes from the workers, demanding to know why. I find this terribly rude.
Am I wrong, that when I tell someone "No, thank you" to an offer, that is the end of the conversation?
GENTLE READER: It should be, of course. But that is no excuse for you to be rude in return to someone whose employer has demanded that this script be followed.
However, you can be firm. As the follow-up response, Miss Manners suggests, "Because I choose not to."
(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.)