Missed Opportunity Yesterday evening, on my way into Seattle with my mom, she had to use the restroom. We were taking a train and there are no public bathrooms in that station (for good reason). We walked a few blocks to a nearby McDonald's and I entered inside with her.  When I realized that I had no purpose for being in the McDonald's (I quit eating that shit) I walked outside. I was staring at the trains in the distance and I hear a soft, "Excuse me?" I turn over my shoulder and about a step in front of the door (blocking the exit, wtf) I see an employee of that "restaurant" in the telltale blue polo. So I respond, "Yeah?" "Do you think I could get a cigarette?" I don't smoke cigarettes, but instead of saying that, I've amended my response to "I don't have any."  "Could I maybe get a dollar so I can get something to eat?" Again, my now more experienced response, "I don't have any cash on me" (lie) Note: This does not exempt you, I've had people ask me to buy them things with my card.  She huffed and trudged off to ask the next available candidate, who I spotted rummaging through his bag. A few things: I have so many questions and feel so conflicted. It's equal parts confusing and demeaning.  I'm mostly posting this for ideas on what to say next time so I can be prepared and be quicker on the draw. I subtly shitlorded with my body language, but I want to be the real deal (for people who deserve it). (Edited for formatting/readability)