(The computers at checkout have lately been asking for the full birthdate of everyone purchasing cigarettes. While technically, we card everyone, a lot of our older customers complained at first, so we are allowed to simply request their birthdate rather than ask to see their ID.)

Customer: “Yes, I’d like [cigarettes], please.”

Me: “Alright. I’ll need your date of birth, please.”

Customer: “What? Make something up.”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am, but the computer needs a birth date in order to sell this product.”

Customer: “Well, you’re not getting it. Make something up!”

Me: “Um.”

(I put in January 1st, but leave the year free.)

Me: “Okay, I put in January 1st, but I’m going to need the year, at least.”

Customer: “Fine…1600.”

Me: “Something reasonable, ma’am.”