Ignoring The Signs

(Note that I wear hearing aides, but I don’t understand more than one phrase of sign language. However, I do quite well if someone is facing me.)

Me: “Are you finding everything okay?”

Customer: “Actually I need some help. I’m looking for–” *turns away while mumbling*

Me: “Ma’am, can you face me and repeat that? I have a minor hearing problem, and you won’t have to repeat yourself so much if you face me.”

Customer: “Oh! Would signing be easier?”

Me: “Actually, I don’t speak a word of sign, so if–”

Customer: *signs*

Me: “Ma’am, I actually don’t–”

Customer: *continues signing*

Me: “Ma’am, I really don’t understand what you’re saying. If you could please just tell me what you need, I can help you easier.”

Customer: *still signing and not saying a word*

Me: *in sign language* “I don’t understand sign language.”

Customer: “Well, why didn’t you say so?”