Dear Queenie,
In the office where I work we all take our lunch break at different times so there is always someone on the job to deal with clients. Sometimes I bring my lunch, but sometimes I go out to eat or to pick up some takeout.
It seems like every time I go out to get food, everyone else wants me to bring back something for them. They always give me the money up front, so that's not a problem, but sometimes I have other errands to run and sometimes I just don't want to be bothered.
Queenie, how can I get away from all this without being rude?—Want some peace and quiet
Dear Want,
The English language has a very simple two-letter word that you really should learn: "No." It is quite possible to say this word in a pleasant tone of voice, and it is not rude to do so. You can even soften it a little with an apology: "Sorry, but no."
If you are uncomfortable with a simple refusal, you can always make up an excuse, such as having errands to run that will not leave you time to fetch their food, or will make you so late in returning that it will be past their lunch hour and/or their food will have gotten cold.
