[Spexxvet]

I avoid answering, when possible. If I do answer, I listen until they pause, then say "no thank you". If they continue, I say "no ........ Thank you". If they then say anything except "goodbye", I say "goodbye" and hang up.

But there was this one time - not at band camp - when the caller asked me to buy lightbulbs that last for years. I told her no, because I was entering the military the very next day (a lie). The caller asked if I would like to buy some for my parents. I again told her no, that I was going into the military because both of my parents died in a tragic car accident the week before (also a lie). The caller quicker said sorry, bye, and hung up.