Wanna know why some of my customers bug me? Well I’m going to tell you anyway.
Lack of manners.
Actually, that’s just one of my gripes, but it’s my biggest issue with dealing with the public. (Before I go on this rant, I apologise to my customers who DO understand common courtesy and aren’t afraid to use it.)
What ever happened to responding when someone speaks to you? If I say ‘hello’, ‘how are you’, ‘good morning’ or ‘is there something I can help you with?’, I expect a response. Do you think I’m a crazy having a nice little convo with myself? (Actually, you are right about the crazy part, but I DO try to behave myself as much as I can when I’m working.)
In our society, it is polite for me to acknowledge your presence in my place of business. I understand you want to feel comfortable in your role as customer, so I greet you when you enter. Keep in mind, this is an amazing feat for me, considering, a) I am generally unsociable, and b) I hate mornings. Yeah, you have your issues and I have mine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t open your mouth and return my greeting. And, just to be clear, a *grunt* is NOT an acceptable response!
If you find yourself unable to reply verbally (like, say, if you have your mouth full or something), don’t be afraid to wave or at least look at me to let me know you acknowledge my acknowledgement of you. Grunting is for animals. Manners are for people. Actually, if you grunt at me or in my general direction, you can rest assured that I will consider you an animal!
Never, never, never forget that the people providing goods and/or services to you are NOT beneath you. You may consider their role in society is lower on the ladder than yours or their perceived financial status makes them seem less of a person, but YOU would be WRONG. Now, this sounds a little like I’m having a dig at wealthy people, but I’m actually directing this at elitists and snobs in general. (I KNOW your mama taught you better.) It’s the people who say (or think) “don’t you know who I am??”, expecting their dismissive attitude to get them better service. Uh, hello!! Niceness begets niceness. What is that saying about attracting flies with honey?
A person is a human being is a person, and deserves no less respect for the work they do than you would expect for whatever it is you do. Plus, that person you look down your nose at (or grunt at) could be the brainiac that cures cancer one day, or they could be the mass murderer that loses the plot on your sorry ass.
Bugger, I’m all distracted with the happy mental picture of that now. Where was I?
Oh yeah, mind your manners!
Should you forget yours next time you are in my place of business, I will be sure to remind you. Most likely in some passive-agressive way that will let you know I’m bothered, without gaining your ire. Cos I don’t like confrontation.
BUT if I do have to remind you (probably by saying please for you or greeting you with stony silence):
- Do not wait for an agreeable smile to light up my face – I am pissed and I want you to know it
- Expect my eyes to expressively convey the same contempt you have shown me
- Accept that you are no longer welcome and you SHOULD feel uncomfortable
- Consider that both our days would have been much better for a more pleasant interaction
Smile and acknowledge. 
Posted by agitatedturmoil 