...and I want them to back off.
This family, whose children use the same school bus stop we do, has their pants in a twist because they don't like the pick-up time in the morning. As such, they have emailed, called and spoken to every other family from that bus stop (there are 8 families in all, about 11 children) telling them to call the School's Transportation Department and protest.
There are bigger issues in life and I am not in the least bit interested in their campaign...in fact, the time works for us just fine.
How do I tell them to back off and leave me alone without creating a tense situation at the bus stop for the next 9 months?
2007-09-04 06:04:15 · 8 answers · asked by Michele 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
say something like "I'm sorry to hear that you have a problem with it. But, this time works very well for me." Said with a smile, and you've effectively blocked them from approaching you to help with their protest.
2007-09-04 06:49:48 · answer #1 · answered by kiwi 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Gosh those bus stop issues can be such a pain. I would just be honest and say gee it must be tough for you and sorry to hear that. I find this time the best for me because (I'm closer, can get to work sooner, etc.). We have a rule at our stop where all the parents line up their cars away from the bus. The pick up is in a parking lot. Then there's alwasy one moron who gradually parks further up to make a fast get away. I gently and politely said to the guy "gee we've all realized for our kids safety we should remain in the same line, is that o.k. with you?" He was fine and said "oh sure". How do the other parents feel about it? I find you can knock the wind out of someone "sails" by just being pleasantly dumb "gee, not sure about that, tell me what you find out". Good luck.
2007-09-04 07:36:29 · answer #2 · answered by inkster7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about:
Oh, I'm sorry that doesnt' work for you...it actually works for me quite well, so I can't say anything bad about it.
The school probably wont' change the whole bus route just to quiet down one whining parent. If it causes a problem, that is one thing. If it is just too early, that may have to be tolerated by the troubled parent.
2007-09-04 06:11:25 · answer #3 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
They can't force you to take part in their little protest but as you have to join up every day at the bus stop, you need to let them know that the time works for you and your family. Period. (but nicely).
2007-09-04 09:31:59 · answer #4 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell them straight out you're not interested.
Or take a flyer and drop it in a bin in front of her just when your bus arrives.
They'll get the message and they should really learn that not everybody wants the same things as them.
Like you say.. there's ebtter things in Life..
2007-09-04 06:28:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neighbor X,
I am so sorry the pick-up time is inconvenient for you. It really is awful when your life is impacted by beuracracy like that. But honestly, I just don't have time to petition/ campaign/ complain. Best of luck to you though.
2007-09-04 06:11:39 · answer #6 · answered by LX V 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell them , sorry the pick up time works out fine for us.
2007-09-04 06:32:44 · answer #7 · answered by Angela C 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell them the pickup time is the only one you can currently manage. They can't argue against that without sounding selfish and mean.
Or just ignore it. Sometimes inaction speaks louder than words.
2007-09-04 06:08:50 · answer #8 · answered by Dharma Nature 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋