A Directionless Conversation

(I am 16. I work in a car dealership’s customer service department on weekends.)

Me: “Service department, [name] speaking, how may I help you?”

(An elderly customer answers.)

Customer: “I’m having a hard time finding your dealership. Can someone give me directions?”

Me: “Sure, can you tell me where you are now?”

(I begin giving her directions when she interrupts me.)

Customer: “No, I need someone else to give me directions.”

Me: “I know exactly where you are, and it’s very easy to get here. All you have to do is—”

Customer: “No. No, I need a man to give me directions.”

Me: “Excuse me?”

Customer: “I need a man to give me directions.”

Me: “Okay, just give me a moment.”

(I page my male co-worker, but he is busy with another customer.)

Me: “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but he’s busy. Can I give you directions now?”

Customer: “No, I need to speak to a man. I’ll wait.”

(I go talk to another co-worker and explain the situation. He answers the phone and gives her directions. Twenty minutes later, she arrives.)

Me: “Good afternoon.”

Customer: “Ugh, I had the hardest time getting here.”

Me: “Oh, really? Which way did you go?”

(She explains.)

Me: “If I were you I would have gone this way…”

(I once again explain the exact same directions I gave to her on the phone.)

Customer: “Well, that would have been so much easier! I wish I had gotten you on the phone!”

Me: “Actually, you did. Please help yourself to a complimentary beverage.”

(The lady blushes and then hurries to our waiting room.)