Thanks, But No Thanks

One day last week shortly before I was scheduled to clock out at the mall Customer Service desk, my boss came in with a soda from one of the cookie stores and two chocolate chip cookies...one for me and one for him.

I was pleased with his unexpected gesture. Normally I'd eat the cookie and not think anything about it. However, this year I've given up chocolate for Lent. (It's been a real struggle. Even several weeks into the season I still really crave it.)

I pondered my options. If I made a big deal out of not eating his gift it I might look contrary (and he'd probably never ever get me another sweet). If I went ahead and ate it I'd be giving in to keep him from feeling bad. After a couple of minutes I thought of a third option.

I thanked him profusely for the cookie, then slid it into my lunch box. On my way out of the mall I saw a couple of 20-something employees sitting on a bench taking their break. I explained the situation and asked if they could 'assist' me by taking the cookie off my hands.

Yes, they were happy to help.

Five years ago today: Weekend Update