‘Dear Abby’ Says Just Say No to Annoying Kiosk Sales Clerks

Perhaps you have wondered how to handle sales clerk that work the middle aisle at the malls and are forever working to try and draw customers into their zone. If  you aren't interested in what they are selling, 'Dear Abby' says to just say no.

Have you ever caught yourself walking down the mall corridor when you suddenly spot an approaching kiosk with an aggressive sales clerk and you quickly re-route your steps to the opposite side in an attempt to avoid contact. Or you walk past the kiosk, sensing someone is near, and  you look straight ahead trying desperately to avoid eye contact at all cost for  fear that any sort of positive response will lead to an unwanted sales pitch.

Why do we do this? What exactly are we afraid of?

The fact is, there are a lot of us who feel the same way. BOTHERED IN TEMPE, AZ wrote to Dear Abby asking for advice on the proper way to handle these situations.

Abby says no rule of etiquette compels you to respond if a total stranger speaks to you. If a salesperson starts their sales pitch and you aren't interested, all you have to do is say "not interested" and keep on walking.

It's good advice, but easier said than done. We are nice people. We don't want to come across as rude, impolite, or unkind. Consequently, we feel pressured to respond kindly,and listen to the sales pitch even though we have no interest in having our eyebrows waxed or smelling the sweet fragrance of some miracle beauty cream.

What I hate more than actually talking to these people is the fact that even  have any feelings about this at all. They should not affect my life, my thinking, my sense of well-being, my self-worth, or in anyway shake the confidence that I have that I am, in fact, a good, kind human being. I should not feel one iota of stress when I go to the mall because of the fear of being approached.

Next time I go, 'Dear Abby' is going with me, and she will give me the strength and courage I need to just say 'no' kindly, yet confidently, and unashamedly.