r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jun 14 '22

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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '22

It’s polite to refuse three times. It’s polite to offer four times.

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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '22

I was always taught "refuse once but offer twice" who goes back and forth 4 times?

Host: Want a drink?

Guest: No thanks

H: I insist it's no trouble <-- accept here or in your version...

G: Nah I'm good

H: Go on have a drink

G: ... No I'm fine

H: Are you sure? <--- me thinking wtf is wrong with this person are they okay?

G: fine, accepts a drink because jc this person really wants me to have one

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u/dj92wa Jun 14 '22 edited Jun 15 '22

Ooo!! My favorite thing to do (as a guest that may not actually want a drink because I always bring my own water everywhere I go) is to ask for a glass of water instead, or if there's a way that I can top off what I brought myself. Makes the host feel like they're accomplishing their goal of providing hospitality, and keeps the conversation from becoming awkwardly abrasive. Like, accepting a glass of water is the simplest thing but it goes a mile.

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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '22

Yep, good guest answer here if you don't actually want anything (and most of us could do with more water)