Phasing Phrasing
(It’s the last hour in my shift, and a customer comes into my lane.)
Me: “Hi there! Have a good day!”
(There’s a short pause as we realize what I said.)
Me: “I’m so sorry! I meant to say: ‘Hello. Find everything you needed?'”
Customer: *smiling* “Yes, miss. Thank you.”
(The transaction goes by without a hitch as we engage in small talk, until I finish ringing them up and they pay.)
Me: “All right, did you find everything you— I mean, hello— I mean, no, GOODBYE. HAVE A NICE DAY! I’m so sorry, sir, it’s been a long day and when you say the same phrases over and over…”
Customer: *laughs* “Don’t worry, honey. I’ve worked retail. The phrases can sometimes get mixed up. I know how it is!”