Via.

(Our store buys used video games to resell. It’s not uncommon for people to try to sell stolen merchandise, so we have a “bad trader” list. Two teens walk in, and one of them is on our list. I recognize them immediately.)

Me: “Hi, welcome to [store name]. How can I help you?”

Customer #1: “Yeah, I want to trade some games in.”

(Customer #1 hands me a stack of games, but it’s just discs…no cases.)

Me: “Are you over 18 with a valid picture ID?”

Customer #1: “No, but he is.”

Customer #2: *hands me his ID*

(I quickly look through the games. I take Customer #2′s ID and verify he is on our bad trader list.)

Me: “I’m sorry, but we can’t take these.”

Customer #1: “Man, why not?!”

Me: “We just don’t need these in stock right now.”

Customer #1: *getting aggressive* “I trade in here all time! You gotta take my games. There ain’t nothin wrong with ‘em!”

Me: *stalling* “We can’t take them. I can check the computer and tell you what they’re worth, but I can’t take them.”

Customer #1: “Okay, yeah…check ‘em.”

(While I’m checking the games, a really big, burly guy walks in.)

Burly Guy: *to me* “Ma’am, don’t give them any money for those games! I saw them steal those games from [retailer] across the street and take them out out of their packaging before coming in here.”

(At this point, Customer #1 starts edging towards the door. The burly guy reaches out and grabs him by his collar with one hand.)

Burly Guy: *whips out his police badge* “If you take one more step, I WILL taze you!”

(The two thieves were arrested right then and there!)

(I am ringing up a customer. Note that the receipts automatically print on credit transactions.)

Me: “Would you like your receipt?”

Customer: “No! How dare you! You better not give me receipt! I will be so pissed!”

Me: “Oh, um, okay then!”

(I finish ringing her up and the receipt prints automatically.)

Customer: “Why did you print that?! I told you I didn’t want it! Do I need to slap you?!”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am. They print automatically when you use a credit card. You don’t have to take it or anything.”

Customer: “I hate you young kids who think you know everything! You print receipts like it’s nothing!”

Me: *not knowing what to say* “Well, have a great evening.”

Customer: “How could I?! You printed the receipt!”

(I am at the zoo with my little cousin to see the pandas that have recently arrived.)

Visitor: “Aw, look at it! It’s just so cute! They’re not dangerous, are they?”

Worker: “Um, well, they’re bears…they’re just as dangerous as other bears.

Visitor: “But if I were to walk in to the enclosure, it wouldn’t hurt me. I could touch it, couldn’t I?”

Worker: “Well, no. It’s a bear.”

Visitor: “Oh, but the female! She must be very gentle. I could touch the female panda.”

Worker: “Actually, she’s pretty feisty. I wouldn’t go near her, either!”

Visitor: “Aw, I really thought they were cute and lovely, like big teddy bears! I’m so disillusioned now…”

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