It has been a very long workday due to a sale. I’ve served hundreds of customers and it’s nearing the end of my shift. I am checking out a customer’s groceries and I hand him the bread rolls.
Customer: *As he bags his bread rolls.* “Let’s roll!”
He catches the corner of my mouth rise a little bit.
Customer: *As he bags his penne pasta.* “Penne for your thoughts?”
I full smile at that one.
Customer: *As he bags his lettuce.* “Please Romaine calm!”
I actually chuckle. Both of us are smiling. The next customer in line makes a big show of groaning and rolls his eyes.
Other Customer: “Stop trying to get a rise out of someone with these tedious jokes! It makes you look like a jerk!”
Customer: “Chill, dude, I was just having some fun.”
Other Customer: “Look at her! She’s exhausted and she’s just being polite! She doesn’t wanna hear your stupid dad jokes!”
Me: “Actually, sir, I found them, quite funny. I understand humor is subjective but since the jokes were intended for me and I laughed, I’d say your take on the situation is wrong.”
Other Customer: “They’re lame a** jokes and they’re annoying!”
Me: “Then I look forward to serving you in complete silence when it’s your turn.”
The other customer stands there, looking sour. My customer finishes and pays, and as he’s bagging his final item, a pack of six cupcakes, he turns to the other customer and says to him:
Customer: “Cake it easy, dude!”
I laugh again.
Other Customer: “Stop laughing! It’s not funny!”
I continue the transaction in silence, my smile p***ing him off even more. Yes it had been a long shift, and I understand some customers and their humor can be grating in such circumstances, but I feel like that customer tested the water with a little joke first, and only continued when he (rightfully so) saw that I was enjoying it.
Seriously, people, if you don’t like the joke and you’re not part of the joke, shut up!
