Smile

Sorry for such a late post however I’ve been having issues with blogger and haven’t been able to get it to post.  I’ve been having problems with comments here and elsewhere for the past 2 weeks as well but this was the first time I couldn’t post at all.

Anyways I went out with a friend to a movie last night and we separated for a few moments when we came in to each get our popcorn and I happened to notice a girl next in line staring fixedly at the cell phone in her hand.  I watched as she stepped up to the counter glanced up mumbled #3 and went back to her phone and whatever it was she was doing.

She managed to go through the rest of the transaction without another word, she wasn't consciously being rude she just seemed utterly disconnected from those around her or the boy right in front of her.  She looked at the clerk as no more than an ATM for popcorn and pop.  She didn’t really see him at all.

So I looked around at others nearby and I noticed there seemed to be quite a few of these people, people who seemed distracted and disconnected focused either inward or on something really anything but on those right infront of them. 

It bothers me, how is it so many people have forgotten or perhaps never known how much better a day can be with those little niceties of day to day interaction?  A simple hello and a moment of actual attention takes no real effort yet subtly shifts a routine moment to what is still a routine moment but a more pleasant one.

You can bet if each and every person gave the people behind the counter a smile and a moments notice their night would be a better one.  The job wouldn’t change they would be doing the same thing yet it would still be better. 

So I promise always to remember to give a smile and say thanks whenever someone helps me even if they are being paid to do it.  It costs me nothing but might get me a smile in return and I've just realized how important that really is. 

Hang up

I went grocery shopping last night at Superstore and the woman in front of me at the checkout was chatting away on her phone.  She was completely oblivious to the cashier who had finished checking her items and was trying to get her attention for payment.  She finally realized the cashier was waiting handed over her money and accepted her change without a single word.  Well at least not to the cashier she had plenty to say to her friend, mostly about how annoying grocery shopping is.

As the cashier started to check my items and we exchanged normal little pleasantries like civilized people the other woman finished her phone conversation and then in a very angry voice asked why the cashier hadn’t asked if she needed bags.  Of course she had asked but had been ignored. The cashier tried to remain pleasant and simply asked her how many she needed.  The customer responded with at least ten or eleven.

Superstore charges 5 cents for each bag.  Now they will give you a bag here and there if you underestimated how many you need or suddenly realize you should have gotten one but I suppose ten is pushing it. As the cashier counted out bags she asked the customer if she had 50 cents. This resulted in indignant cries about how it wasn’t her fault the cashier hadn’t asked before she paid. 

I couldn’t help myself and I spoke up.  I hate seeing people treat retail staff or anyone else for that matter like garbage.  I told her she shouldn’t blame the cashier for her own rudeness, if she had put her phone down for 5 seconds and made an attempt at being polite she would have heard the cashier ask. I got the expected response of an indignant “why I never” but she clearly looked contrite and handed over the 50 cents. 

It always amazes me how inconsiderate people can be when it comes to cell phones.  Some people are completely oblivious and happily chat away loudly disturbing and ignoring others without a second thought.   Sure I use my cell phone in public but I try to always remain conscience of those around me and be unobstrusive.  I think it is simple common courtesy.  I’m glad I spoke up maybe next time this woman will think twice about ignoring a cashier and remember to say thank you instead.