Not Drawing A Picture Of Intelligence

(I’ve just started a job, and the administrative assistant is showing me my new office. The office has no supplies in it except the computer and printer.)

Coworker: “Just let me know what supplies you need, and I’ll get them for you!”

Me: “Thanks! I think just some pencils, pens, and a pad would be great to start. Oh, and a stapler.”

(She heads to the supply room to get my supplies and comes back a short time later with a box.)

Coworker: “Here you go! Pencils, pens, post-its, pads, a stapler… and…” *she pauses for effect as she reaches into the box again* “…a pencil sharpener! I thought you might want one.”

(I look between the electric pencil sharpener she’s just pulled out and the box of mechanical pencils she gave me. She doesn’t seem to see the issue, as she’s still smiling.)

Me: “Oh, what a great idea! Thanks!”

(She was a nice woman, but definitely not the sharpest pencil in the box.)