Taking The Hi Road

(It’s been an unusually busy day, and my coworkers and I have been taking calls back to back for several hours.)

Me: “Thank you for calling [name of business]. This is [my name]; how can I help you?”

Caller: “Hi, [my name]!”

(I wait a few seconds for her to tell me what she needs, but she remains silent.)

Me: “Yes, how can I help you?”

Caller: “Hi, [my name]!”

Me: “Ma’am, is there something I can help you with?”

Caller: “Hi, [my name]!”

(I’m starting to think this is a prank call or the person is not all there.)

Me: “Well, if there’s nothing I can help you with, I’m going to have to—”

Caller: “It must take a lot of effort if you won’t even say ‘Hi’.”

Me: “…Hello?”

Caller: “Hi, [my name]!”

Me: “Hi.”

Caller: “It took way too much work for you to just say ‘Hi’ to me. I don’t want you to help me! Transfer me to someone else!”

(She had probably waited at least 10 minutes before reaching me, and would have to wait at least 10 more minutes to speak to someone else. She was fine with that!)