All this leaves me wondering open-mouthed. Wondering how people yould manage their daily lives when they don't want to use a clear negative answer to a question where "yes" and "no" would cause different consequences.
Marjy, if I'd ask you "Would it be ok when I come visiting next week?" I need a valid answer because if you say "yes" I will buy a ticket and hop on the train next monday. And I'd be very surprised if I will knock on your door and you are not there because you said "yes" just out of being polite. Or does this "yes/no" thing only apply when you are asked to do something? If so, I still don't think it is rude to reply "no" where "no" is the correct answer. Actually I find it quite rude to give the other the impression of being ready to do something while I have not the slightest intention to really do it. Of course I accept local habits, but we should not do this here in this environment. As our communication is only written, without the extra benefit of face mimic and body language, we need to be precise in such things where the answer to a question bears consequences for each and all. I think people working in an international environment should accept this. -- wobo
