Ever been approached in a public place by someone who tries to sell some insurance or financial product or wants to do a survey on you? (Signature items: lanyards, clipboards, etc.)
Ever shown that you’re uninterested, but they persistently try to gain your attention?
It seems that these people have too much education in trying to attract people’s attention that they are totally clueless in identifying that some of us are just not interested, no matter what they offer.
…
So, for the benefit of the professional attention-seekers out there, here I will provide a mini lesson on how to recognise people who are uninterested:
1. They steer away from you.
You walk towards them, and they steer away from you.
Isn’t that obvious? But some of you still don’t get it, or will never get it.
2. They pretend you’re not there.
Another obvious one. They pretend not to hear you; they don’t give you eye contact. No, you are not there. No, you don’t exist.
3. They give you a frown.
A frown is a sure sign of a lack of interest. Whether it is a quick or a sustained one, you should pick this up quickly.
4. They raise their palm towards you.
If you haven’t been enlightened, a palm facing you means “Talk to my hand” and “You’re not getting my attention at all”.
5. They walk very briskly.
Whether or not they are pretending to rush for a departing bus is not the question. Maybe they are actually rushing for something urgent, like, to pee.
Bottomline: They have no time for you.
6. They suddenly start an active conversation with their accompanying partner or friend.
It’s as if to say, “Can’t you see we’re talking here?” You should get the cue. Don’t interrupt.
7. They say “Excuse me, please” or “Sorry, I’m not interested”—if you’re lucky, with a smile.
These are the more polite, frank guys.
But don’t take advantage of them, because they might be trying really hard to be polite (but actually deep down inside, they’d like to show you the finger, or something).
8. They show you the finger.
Understood.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. In fact, in more complex scenarios, be prepared to receive a combination of the above.
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My fellow uninterested people, I’m sure we’ve all tried a few of the abovementioned ‘tricks’.
Personally, I like to begin with a 7, but should that fail, I love to give a nice 3+4 combo. I haven’t tried an 8; it seems a little too rough, but perhaps it’ll do well as a last resort.
What’s your preference? Can you suggest better ways?
2 Comments
I personally shake my head and raise my palm at them (#4). When that fails - and it usually does, especially with the half-dressed shemale along Orchard Road who insists on trimming my eyebrows, that idiot - I give him-her a 3+4+5 combo, plus a rolling of eyes. I think #8 is a bit rude for telling them you’re not interested. They are normal people like us after all, just working their jobs.
Wow! Thanks for sharing :)