Making Colorful Observations

(We have lots of clients who have been bringing their pets to our clinic for many years. When I started working there it was not uncommon for me to be asked if I was new by clients who hadn’t seen me before. I kept being asked until I had worked there about 18 months because clients with healthy pets only come in once or twice a year. My coworker, who is extremely personable and very good at her job, is checking out an older woman after her dog’s exam.)

Coworker: “Your total is $[total].”

Client: *swipes credit card* “Are you new here?”

Coworker: “Yes, I started here about three months ago.”

Client: “I knew I hadn’t seen a black person working here before.”

Coworker: *puts on her brightest smile* “Here’s your receipt, ma’am.”

(The client leaves.)

Me: “Wow. There were so many other ways to express that she didn’t recognize you.”