The Appearance Of Confidence Can Work Wonders. Or Cause Annoyance.

A year or so ago, I was at the Swedish furniture store to get some things for my new flat. As one does, I needed some garbage bins and couldn’t find the particular one I was looking for, so I asked for help.

Employee: “You won’t find those downstairs; you’ll have to upstairs to the kitchen section.”

So, I began my journey back through the masses and upstairs to collect my desired garbage bin. Since I was given directions and know the place quite well, I was going quite fast and confidently toward the kitchen section when I was stopped by someone.

Customer #1: “Hi, excuse me! Can you help me?”

Me: “Sorry, I don’t work here.”

I gave them a puzzled look because everyone knows the employees in this store wear blue and yellow uniforms, and I was wearing a combination of a crop top and jeans, but I went on.

Just one minute later, the next person got in my way and started:

Customer #2: “Yeah, hi, can you help me find [item #1]?”

Me: *Confused* “Sorry, I don’t work here.”

And I rushed by. Mind you, my boyfriend was waiting for me, and I didn’t want to leave him waiting so long while I idled around.

Lo and behold, yet another woman approached me.

Customer #3: “Hi! Where can I find [item #2]?”

To be honest, at that point, I was a bit fed up.

Me: “Why? Do I look like I work here?”

I pointed at my not-yellow-and-blue attire.

Customer #3: *Angrily* “Yes!”

I must have looked very competent that day since I walked fast and knew where I was going.