polite coupons.

British people are wonderfully polite. No, probably not all British people, but as a general rule, the attitude of this people group is one of stand-offish politeness. They don't want any drama nor any funny business a'tall, please and thanks. Further proof of this character trait was found on a coupon for boxed tea:

"This coupon can only be used as part payment towards your next purchase of Twinings Tea. Only one coupon can be used per transaction and it cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please do not attempt to use this coupon against any other product as refusal to accept may cause embarrassment and delay at the checkout. This coupon is not redeemable on internet sites. Valid in the UK and ROI only."

And we wouldn't want to cause embarrassment and delay at the checkout, would we? Even my coupons are reminding me to be polite... Perhaps America would do well to adopt such tactics.

{This post written in July 2013}