We have certain people who always bring food to work and offer it to the rest of us. I always say, "no thank you, I'm not hungry" or something of the sort. They get snippy and say, "well you're no fun!" or "you should at least try it".
How do you get it across to people that you're not interested in being fed by them?
2007-11-25 07:38:52 · 6 answers · asked by JD 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I notice that people do get easily offended sometimes when it comes to food. I think they might feel rejected because you are rejecting the food. I know some people who absolutely love to cook and feed people, it is their way of connecting with people so when the food is rejected they take it personally.
I don't think they should , but it is the way it is. In my case, it is a little harder, food allergies run amok in my family and the allergies are to very common ingredients- I cannot just eat anything that is offered.
I would just make surethat my rejection of the food is tempered with a word of encouragement or gratitude so you are conveying to them it is not a personal thing, you just are not wanting what is offered. If you have done what oyu need to to get that point across, and they are still offended or upset by it, then it becomes their issue- you cannot control how people are going to react or their emotional state.
I would just say, "how thoughtful (nice, generous whatever) of you to bring that to share but no thank you, none for me right now."
2007-11-25 08:10:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 99⤊ 3⤋
I don't think they are truly angry, but they ARE trying to include you in their circle of friendship by offering a form of respect and hospitality: refreshment.
Occasionally accepting a tidbit for the sake of keeping relations smooth is a very small concession, isn't it? You needn't eat. Set it aside for later and dispose of it when you can.
People who are diabetic, hypo-glycemic, vegan or eat only glatt kosher foods must refrain from random snacking on foods from others.
If you are hard-pressed and still wish to refuse, fall back on a white lie and say "doctor's orders" and smile apologetically.
In a world where most cultures see food as a social event and refusal can be a grave insult, consideration for the offerer's feelings should be important to anyone hoping to get along.
2007-11-25 08:00:06 · answer #2 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 50⤊ 4⤋
I don't understand it either. I used to have a sister in law that would get offended if she offered tea or coke and I did not want it. I guess they have some inner need to be complimented on the food they prepared.
2007-11-25 09:07:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 19⤊ 9⤋
It's not your responsiblity to placate them. If you've been respectful when you decline the offer...then your job's done.
Although it sounds to me like some lighthearded jabbing on their parts...maybe you're being too sensitive yourself.
2007-11-25 08:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by LolaCorolla 7 · 23⤊ 9⤋
I hate that too ... In this day and age and considering where I work ( the P.O.) I don't eat anything made by a coworker. My best advice just take some and then dump it off in a trash can as soon as you are able to.
2007-11-25 07:47:53 · answer #5 · answered by yeah , yeah whatever 6 · 38⤊ 12⤋
I've never understood myself, it always makes things ackward when you decline.
2007-11-25 09:47:47 · answer #6 · answered by The Official Texting Pro 6 · 19⤊ 18⤋