I always buy my own paper so that I have all the sections and the crossword puzzle. What do I say to people who walk up to my table and start digging through the sections, assuming it's the community paper?
2007-09-19 08:52:42 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would suggest one or more of the following things:
1. It IS your paper, so I would just state to them pleasantly, "I'm sorry, but I purchased this paper and need all the sections. Maybe you could check and see if there is a newstand outside?"
2. If you'd like to avoid any confrontation at all, bring a tote bag, shopping bag or briefcase with you each day and keep the parts of the newspaper you aren't currently reading in it. When you want to read another section, just put the section you're done with in the bag/briefcase and pull out the section you want.
3, Cover the parts of the paper you aren't reading by setting your purse or coffee cup on top of them. It's a way to "mark your territory", so to speak. Some people may not get the hint, however, so you might have to resort to suggestion #1 or #2.
Good luck!
2007-09-19 09:24:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
First off, may I assume this is "your own" table at the coffee shop where you can spread the paper out and take up the entire table top?
You don't want people looking at it, make it obvious it is yours. Like keeping it very close to you or even sitting on it or putting it on the floor close to your chair or put it in your lap.
My gosh, you do have control over the situation.
2007-09-19 09:05:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just say "excuse me, but i brought that paper from home" or "excuse me, but i just bought that paper". If that doesn't work, just put it under the section you are currently reading and rest your arms on it. That is what i have done in public. Though i dont know of anyone who just blatantly steals a paper from someone. They usually just scavenge the leftovers here.
2007-09-19 09:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by Toledo Engineer 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can keep the paper on your lap.
or
you can keep the sections close to you and when they go to reach for it, put your hand on top of it and say something like "I'm sorry, can I help you?" or "I'm sorry, but I'm not finished reading this yet."
Hope this helps.
2007-09-19 09:14:13 · answer #4 · answered by Kara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "This is my own paper and I want to finish reading it."
2007-09-19 09:02:12 · answer #5 · answered by J-Dawn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an easy mistake. a lot of coffee houses have complimentary papers. if someone does this again, just laugh it off and say "sorry! this ones mine. i think you can buy one over there." no biggie.
2007-09-19 08:58:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
when you open it keep all the sections clearly in front of you. or simply say I am sorry I bought this one..
2007-09-19 08:56:27 · answer #7 · answered by Laine 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Say exactly what Laine said.
2007-09-19 16:10:04 · answer #8 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Say, "Oh sorry, this is my copy." That should do it. I must say, they're pretty rude to not even ask you first. Geez.
2007-09-19 14:39:39 · answer #9 · answered by Opal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the paper on your laptop instead, or get one.
2007-09-19 09:20:33 · answer #10 · answered by fanny gardener 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋