I wish I didn't have to tell the expert artisanal sandwich craftsman how to make the sandwich step by step. "I'd like a number 5"
-What bread? "Whatever's in the picture for number 5"
-Toasted? "Whatever's in the picture for number 5"
-What meat? "Whatever's in the picture for number 5"
-What veggies? "Whatever's in the picture for number 5"
-What cheese? "Whatever's in the picture for number 5"
-What sauce? "Whatever's in the picture for number 5"
Why bother selling meals if each component requires a conversation. The fucking meal option should skip that bulshit unless initially ordered as such. 'I'd like a number 5 with everything different than advertised'
Similar struggle. I told my folks (they live 2hrs away and I see them every 2 mo.) that they need to choose: a relationship with me or talking about politics. At first I gave a couple warnings, but after maybe 3 or 4 times. I reiterated, me or politics, and left without another word. Works with phone calls too. "Did you hear what Bide" click - I hang up.
Treat them like dogs - they're trainable. If you abruptly leave or hang up every time, eventually they'll get the hint. If not, they've made their choice and if it's not you, then you'll need to move on.
I didn't travel 2 hours to talk about someone I'll never meet. Let's talk about ourselves and what's new in our lives. What's going on in the garden, what's new in the office, whatever happened to what's-her-name you used to hang out with.