I must be having an assertiveness day today.
- Can I ask you something, mister?
- You can't, mister.
- Can I request something, friend?
- No, you can't.
(adding "friend" would be symmetric but untrue)
@mgorny Always escalate.
- Can I ask you something, mister?
- You can't, your highness.
- Can I request something, friend?
- No, you can't, darling.
