by Kat Apf

Created on: April 14, 2009

I've worked retail in six states. And I can tell you this, New Yorkers aren't the only rude people in the US. They are all over the country. They're rude in the Northeast, they're rude in the South and they're rude in the Southwest. Not all people are rude, of course, but the rude ones stick out in your memory.

The number one thing I would like to say to a rude customer is, don't you realize I'm another human? Just because I'm wearing this hideous uniform and you think I'm at your beck and call, I am a real person. I am not The Store. I am not The Company. I am a person.

The second thing I'd like to say is have patience. Can't you see this is a new person being trained? Haven't you ever been new? And haven't you ever been nervous? Can you please give the new kid on the block a break?

I'd also like to say would you want someone to treat your child, your wife, your husband, your mother, your sister or your brother in such an obnoxious way? Treat people the way you would want your loved ones to be treated.

Please note, I do not want to ask you if you want a fresh loaf of bread today or if you want a box of Jolly Ranchers to go with your movie. I am asked to do so by the management. Most times, I'll tell you this, too. But please remember, I am just doing my job. So, don't get huffy and nasty when asked a question like this. It's not my fault.

Remember, machines have bad days, too. So, if the person on the register can't work it correctly, there could be something wrong with it. We didn't wait for you to come in and break it just so you would have to wait longer. These things just happen. It's not a tragedy. It's not life-threatening. Please take a deep breath.

Long lines happen. It is not the cashier's fault if there are long lines and no other registers open. I can tell you, without a doubt, he or she wants to get another register opened, too. But he or she, is more than likely, not in charge. And perhaps, someone called in sick or up and quit without notice. None of this is the cashier's fault. The world is in too much of a hurry these days. Stop being angry and shoot the breeze with the person in front of you while you wait.

It isn't my fault something you bought was moldy or didn't work right. I'll be happy to refund you but do you have to act like I personally spread the green goo over your cheese or took a hammer to your electronics? I didn't. Get over it. It's just something you have to deal with today.

It's also not my fault that the guy in the meat department is rude. He's rude to me, too. He's just rude. But I'm not him. I'm being pleasant with you. I'm going overboard to be nice since you just had a bad experience with another store employee. So, can't you take that for what it's worth?

I'm aware that the guy over there bagging your groceries doesn't speak the best English. What can I say? I didn't hire him. I've tried to tell him a few key phrases in English but it's hard for him. I know it's annoying you right now but he, too, is a human. Give him a break, already.

Yes, prices are high. I am aware. I shop, too. But again, how is this my fault? I didn't set the price of your piece of steak or your jeans. Someone else did. All I did was either put it on the sales floor or ring it up for you. Please don't go on and on about the prices. Like I said, I'm quite aware. The entire world is aware of it.

While rude people stick out, nice people do, too. There are more nice people, I believe but the mean, rude ones just cut you to the quick and make it hard to forget them. Believe it or not, I always try to send them a little prayer of good vibes as they walk out in their haughty anger. Just because they're obnoxious, doesn't mean I have to be.

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