Only Happy This Call Is Ending

I am assisting a patient’s family member over the phone at the specialty clinic where I work. It is the holiday season, so I have been very busy with work and family, plus on this day I have a cold and am very tired. While I’m definitely not chipper, I also don’t have an attitude; I just sound like a tired, congested person.

The call begins with the person sounding annoyed about a procedure we told the patient they needed to have, but I explain why and answer the questions they have. At the end of the call, I get this gem, in a sing-songy kind of voice.

Patient’s Family Member: “Okay, thank you! Be happy; it’s your job!”