Stamp This Out !!!

Every so often I enter a post office in order to buy ten 2nd-class stamps.

Always I'm told, "They come in books of 12."

I'm very aware that they are available in books of 12 as I've been given this piece of information - repeatedly.

However, I want ten. What do I do?

Do I stand there waiting for the ten stamps I asked for while the assistant stares at me?

Once when I asked for ten stamps I was handed a book of 12 which I had to refuse, saying, "I want ten."

Being non-confrontational I usually just state the bleeding obvious by explaining, "I just want ten." This, as a rule, causes irritation on the other side of the counter.

I know that the next time I enter a post office and ask for ten 2nd-class stamps, I'll be told...
Well, you know what I'll be told.

This, you will realise, is causing me severe angst. It's such an idiotic exchange but it goes on and on and on.

Any suggestions?

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