It’s Cute That You Think That We Care

At The Checkout, Editors' Choice, Grocery Store, Jerk, Karma/Comeuppance, UK | Right | June 25, 2021

I am checking an old lady with a scowl on her face.

Customer: “You’d better be ringing these up correctly! If you’re as dumb as you look, I might have to check at the end!”

I realize she is one of those sad, lonely customers whose only reason for living is to try to get a rise out of others and upset them. I deny her this by smiling politely.

Customer: “Be careful with those jars of olives! They’re the fancy brand. I doubt you’d ever be able to afford them, so be careful!”

I nod and smile harder.

Customer: “Don’t smile so much! It makes your unfortunate face look even more so!”

I give her the biggest smile I can muster, maybe joined by a mild giggle.

Customer: “What is wrong with you?!”

Me: “I just find it hilarious how much you seem to think I care about what you’re saying.”

And then, I can’t believe she actually says this.

Customer: “Well, I never! How dare you not be offended?!”

She left her shopping on the counter and trotted out. I explained my behaviour to the head cashier, who then disseminated it to the rest of the team. Now, whenever she comes back, she will only be greeted by smiles and giggles directly proportional to the amount of abuse she dishes out.

I hope she gets me again!

This story is part of our Best Of June 2021 roundup!