Should Keep Better Account Of Their Account, Part 2

(I work as a library clerk in a large computer lab available for patrons. An older lady walks in and needs some assistance with creating an email account.)

Me: Ma’am, it seems that this username is being used by someone else. You’ll have to choose another.”

Patron: “Of course it is; it’s my username.”

Me: “You already have an account with [email site]?”

Patron: “Yes. Why can’t I use my own username?”

Me: “Well if you have an email account, and you forgot your password, I can help you retrieve it.”

Patron: “No, I’ve tried and it wont give me my password.”

Me: “… Okay… Well, if you want to create a new account you’ll have to use a different username.”

Patron: “Why? It’s my username.”

Me: “It’s already taken. You can only use that username once.”

Patron: “Why?”

Me: “Because that’s the way they set it up.”

Patron: “Well, that’s dumb.”