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Being diplomatic or not?

(23 Posts)
Brahumbug Sat 08-Jul-23 17:23:53

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

Squiffy Sat 08-Jul-23 15:27:19

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.

LRavenscroft Sat 08-Jul-23 11:39:24

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

fancythat Sat 08-Jul-23 11:38:56

Tell him quite strongly.

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

Witzend Sat 08-Jul-23 11:36:39

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

Witzend Sat 08-Jul-23 11:34:40

‘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.’

NanaDana Sat 08-Jul-23 11:34:35

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.

Jackiest Sat 08-Jul-23 11:24:16

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.

BlueBelle Sat 08-Jul-23 11:08:06

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 ?

Jackiest Sat 08-Jul-23 10:49:13

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

Esmay Sat 08-Jul-23 10:44:31

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 .

Wyllow3 Sat 08-Jul-23 09:42:20

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

Wyllow3 Sat 08-Jul-23 09:41:30

(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 Sat 08-Jul-23 09:39:46

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.

Wyllow3 Sat 08-Jul-23 09:33:40

"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"

FarNorth Sat 08-Jul-23 09:11:17

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

Smileless2012 Sat 08-Jul-23 09:10:01

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.

lemsip Sat 08-Jul-23 09:08:01

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

LRavenscroft Sat 08-Jul-23 08:42:05

Oopsadaisy1

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

Good point. Thanks.

Grandmabatty Sat 08-Jul-23 08:41:44

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

Jaxjacky Sat 08-Jul-23 08:41:20

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

Oopsadaisy1 Sat 08-Jul-23 08:39:32

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

LRavenscroft Sat 08-Jul-23 08:38:16

I go to a local village hall social group once a week which is always very pleasant and sociable. However, recently, there is this elderly gent, who for some reason or other, has decided to single me out for his church ministry. He brings leaflets and quotes and gives them to me to take away. It really has rattled my cage as I don't know why he has singled me out, am not interested in his religious ministry and it has spoilt my enjoyment of the group. Thus far, I have simply taken the leaflet so as not to cause a scene and disposed of it when I got home. Next time I feel like saying it is kind of you to think of me but I am fine. This is another case of someone considering their beliefs to be superior to the rest of us fallen angels. Small problem but irritating non the less at village level.