We've all encountered "that" person, I think

[bhskittykatt]

Comic strip my cousin did:
http://www.kdsu.net/trojantimes/?p=2204

I love it, because it's eerily reminiscent to Hubby and me of a salesman at the grocery store deli, who is a bit too pushy on the samples. This guy is always there only when we're in a hurry. You rush by him, avoid eye contact, and he still somehow manages to engage you in conversation. We say "no thanks", because we don't want to be too rude and all, but the guy keeps talking! And then we're trapped. You can't just walk away, because you said "no thanks" and already acknowledged his existence. You just have to be polite and keep saying "no thanks" while slowly inching away...

We even stand back and try to come up with a strategy to get around him as fast as possible, like in the comic, though I haven't tried "tooth cancer" excuse yet...

[Becks]

I feel bad for some reason about my reaction to the comic...

*giggle* teeth cancer *giggle* I'll have to remember that one

[PepperElf]

i use the "no eye contact" for the kiosk sellers all the time.
it often works too

[iradney]

Actually, he's being rude by ignoring your "no thanks". You've already indicated to him that you are not interested and don't want to engage. He's being rude by ignoring that. So you're actually completely within your right to walk away once you've said "no thanks" or "not interested".

[morgana]

Actually, he's being rude by ignoring your "no thanks". You've already indicated to him that you are not interested and don't want to engage. He's being rude by ignoring that. So you're actually completely within your right to walk away once you've said "no thanks" or "not interested".

Absolutely! In fact, with a particularly rude specimen I've been known to not-quite-yell "What part of 'no' don't you get, pervert?" Don't do it every time, but if they just won't quit, well . . .

Why let them use your politeness against you?