It seems like every store these days wants you to sign up for their stupid credit card. I try to be polite about it, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. Primarily because they don’t just give it up.

‘Would you like to sign up for a —- credit card?’
‘No thank you’
‘You get 10% off…’
‘No thanks’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’

That’s typically how it goes, with maybe two or three more exchanges in there. It would be nice to just ignore their about it after the first decline.

But anyhow… it’s spreading. Today, just moments ago, I had someone come into my office (where I am quietly minding my own business), and ask me if I’d like to support the biology club by purchasing a t-shirt. I said “No thanks”, and she says ‘Aww! Why not?’ And my mind begins to formulate an answer… ‘because I don’t want one of those stupid shirts, and I don’t have money to be giving away, and I don’t think your organization really needs my money even if I did….” But before any of that even left my tongue, she says “Maybe next time?”. Again my mind begins to formulate a response, and it is actually delivered this time: “Probably not.”

The weird thing is that she left appearing to be offended. I even softened my response, but it didn’t seem to matter.