I failed 'sharing' on Sesame Street

The other day I was on my way to meet a friend for dinner, and popped into a drugstore en route (one of the massive ones that sells everything) to buy some food for my kitties. At the counter, there was one woman in front of me and she was dawdling gathering her purchases as the cashier rang through my purchases. The cashier asked me if I had the point card that that particular store offered. You know the ones - in return for being able to profile all of your purchases for their marketing department you get points which you can eventually redeem for merchandise. I never participate in these store schemes.

I told the cashier that I didn't have a point card and then the woman next to me [who still hadn't left] asked the cashier, "Can I have her points?" The cashier said sure. But I interrupted and said, "No." Firmly and to the point. I think they were both in shock but the cashier continued ringing my purchase through.

The woman demanded "Why not?"

I'm not even sure why I said no, but in large part it was because the woman had not asked me for my points. She had asked the cashier. It was almost as if she felt she were entitled to the points. I hate that sort of attitude. To me it's just so crass. To me it would be as if I were in a restaurant and I told the waiter that I didn't want bread and as he took the basket away someone at the next table grabbed it. Nothing technically wrong with it, but I feel that in our North American society everyone is always looking for a deal. I find it gross and tacky. I probably overreacted, but I'd do the same thing again.

[I have had friends ask for my points. However, first of all they are friends, and secondly, they have always spoken to me directly. Then I don't mind.]

I'm not sure if I had a chance to answer the woman before she added, "Do you just not believe in the points program" She was furious with me.

"Something like that". And then I left, feeling her glaring at me.

It's none of her business what my reason was. I felt no need to further engage her. The funny part was that my purchase was only three dollars. Both of us feeling justified and disgusted by the other person over nothing.

Nothing perhaps, but I'm still glad I said no.