I want my penny

This post reminded me of a pet peeve of mine: when I pay for something that costs .99 (or 1.99, 2.99, and so on) with bills rounded up to the next dollar amount, and the clerk slams the register shut without a word...and without giving me my penny in change. I realize it's just a blasted penny, but it's the principle of the matter. The clerk, not me, is making the decision that I don't need my change back.

I suppose in transactions such as these I'm meant to just walk off without my change, before it becomes clear I'm waiting to be handed back my penny. I suppose that's what most people do. If I stand there waiting, I feel foolish. If I were to ask for the penny, I'd feel doubly foolish.

In J.D.'s situation, I would have had no qualms about asking that the coupon be applied correctly. But when it comes to the penny in change, I admit I haven't the nerve to make a fuss about it, even though it burns me up.