The True Burden Of Society

(I am working customer service at a well-known bookstore, and have just completed filling an order for an elderly woman over the phone.)

Me: “Well, ma’am, that takes care of that order. It’ll be here in a week and we’ll call you once it’s received.”

Customer: “Oh, well, thank you very much. You’ve been a real help.”

Me: “It’s no problem, ma’am. You have a good d–”

Customer: “How dare you.”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am?”

Customer: “How dare you say it was nothing to help me! As if helping me means nothing!”

Me: *dumbfounded and a bit shocked*

(At this point, the customer launches into a full-blown tirade against “my generation” and “young workers” who have “no respect for their elders.”)

Customer: “And it’s just, you know, despicable how they can let you get away with something like this! I think that you all should–”

Me: “Ma’am?”

Customer: “And I just think that–”

Me: “Ma’am.”

Customer: “What?!”

Me: “Have a pleasant day, ma’am.” *hangs up*