Being diplomatic or not?

Just tell him, he probably thinks you are reading his leaflets.

Depends on your personal beliefs, me, I’d just be honest, I’m a humanist, so thanks, but no thanks.

"No thank you George. It's not for me."

Oopsadaisy1

Just tell him, he probably thinks you are reading his leaflets.

Good point. Thanks.

just say 'no thank you' do not take the leaflet.

He doesn't necessarily think his beliefs are superior LRavenscroft, you took the leaflets out of politeness so he probably thinks you're interested.

Next time, simply tell him that you don't want anymore.

Perhaps he's giving them to everyone and you haven't noticed.

"No thank you George I've read what you've given me and that's been enough, I definitely don't want any more".

People like him don't 'get' "hints".

You may have to repeat

"George, I appreciate your good intentions but I have already told you I don't want any more leaflets or advice"

If he does not take the hint I would tell him what you have mentioned in your OP - that he is spoiling your enjoyment of the group. Sometimes you just have to be blunt.

(my thoughts would be a long way from what I've posted above!
But in a small group like that best to stick to "polite" and not get involved in the content of the leaflets.

biglouis

If he does not take the hint I would tell him what you have mentioned in your OP - that he is spoiling your enjoyment of the group. Sometimes you just have to be blunt.

Last port of call, but in extremis I agree

You are obviously very friendly and approachable !

I think that you will have to tell him and it's not easy as you don't want to offend him .

A few years ago , taking my father to the local social club one of the older members immediately presumed that I was there to serve !

I had to tell him that I couldn't do any heavy lifting of furniture .
And when he started giving out instructions for kitchen cleaning - I ignored him .

I tried to be helpful making tea and coffee and serving it with biscuits and cakes plus washing up afterwards - but that was it .

When he saw my daughter and husband visiting on one occasion - he tried to recruit their services .

Take it as a challenge and try converting him to atheism.

By taking the leaflet and then throwing it away you ve given him mixed messages and wasted the printed paper Just say thanks but I not interested and then don’t take the darned leaflet
There’s no rudeness in saying no thanks with a smile is there ?

Esmay

You are obviously very friendly and approachable !

I think that you will have to tell him and it's not easy as you don't want to offend him .

A few years ago , taking my father to the local social club one of the older members immediately presumed that I was there to serve !

I had to tell him that I couldn't do any heavy lifting of furniture .
And when he started giving out instructions for kitchen cleaning - I ignored him .

I tried to be helpful making tea and coffee and serving it with biscuits and cakes plus washing up afterwards - but that was it .

When he saw my daughter and husband visiting on one occasion - he tried to recruit their services .

Most of these socal groups are run by volunteers, they are not paid, it is not their job and I find in my village it is always the same people that end up doing the work. There is alway too much work so we will try and encourage all the help we can but a lot just take advantage of the groups and give nothing back.

If you keep accepting his leaflets he will understandably have formed the opinion that you find them interesting. It's up to you to smile sweetly, not to take them from him, and tell him in a kindly manner that you're not interested. It really is that simple.

‘I’m really not interested, thank you.’

And if he repeats anyway, ‘I told you before that I wasn’t interested - please do not try to give me these again.’

PS, is he a JW, OP? They can be extraordinarily persistent.

Tell him quite strongly.

If that doesnt work, enlist the help of someone else as well.

Thank you so much for all your great replies. I'll go down the polite route of thanks but no thanks!

We had a mother and son JWs knock on our door recently. I (very politely!) told them that I had very strong beliefs, but not the same as theirs. They were perfectly accepting of this and were absolutely delightful. We had a pleasant few minutes discussing faith and our differences and they went on their merry way.

Just tell him you are a Satanist and ask if he would like to come round for a black mass and goat sacrifice.😁