Sorry Not Sorry

(I have come to a department store to return some things I ordered online. I gave myself plenty of time since I know the process is probably a little complicated and this is a busy store. I approach a service desk in the women’s clothing department.)

Employee: “Hello!”

Me: “Hi there! I have a pile of online orders to return. Is this the right place to do that?”

Employee: “Oh. Um… I’m not sure how to do that. This is only my second day. Is it okay if I walk you over to another desk?”

Me: “Sure! No problem. Sorry to be complicated.”

Employee: “Sorry about that. I wish I knew how to help you.”

Me: “It’s fine, no problem. I have plenty of time.”

Employee: “Okay, the desk is right over here. Sorry again.”

Me: “It’s perfectly okay! I totally understand.”

Employee: “Sorry for the inconvenience.”

Me: “Look, it’s really fine. I promise. I am not in the least put out. You did fabulously.”

Employee: “Oh! Well… wow. Thank you for being so nice about it!”

Me: “Of course. Like any decent human being with half a brain could be upset about something like that.”

Employee: “Sorry, I’m just not used to people being nice… Everyone else I didn’t know how to help has yelled at me…”

(I do NOT miss working in retail, because of horrible, selfish people who yell at associates for things far beyond their control. I hope that employee had a better day!)