I dislike being asked "Are you going on holiday?" when purchasing foreign currency. I know they will try and hawk their travel insurance and have been instructed to do so, but it crosses a line and I feel embarrassed for the poor clerks.

There has been a sea-change in the way companies deal with their customers. Previously, relationships were built on simple and friendly chit-chat. A limited customer base, often constrained by geography, meant faces were reoccurring. Business was fuelled by a neighbourly inquisitiveness. Now it is ruthless as employees are instructed to mole their way into folks' business, simply with the view to flogging their 'value-added' services.

Do you feel uncomfortable in such situations, or relish in relaying blatant lies — i.e. "Nah, I'm buying Roubles for an impromptu game of Russian Roulette down the Hays Lane industrial estate — you're welcome to come along"?