The Problem Is Self-Made

I speak to my next customer in the same cheerful, customer service voice I’ve been using all evening.

Me: “Hi! What can I get for you today?”

The customer rears back like I just swore at her.

Customer: “Um, okay. Are we going to have a problem?”

Me: “I’m sorry?”

Customer: “Are we going to have a problem?”

Me: “No. What can I get for you?”

The customer leans forward over the counter.

Customer: “Are we going to have a problem?”

It has been a long day, there is a fairly long line, and I just feel done with this, so I just turn to look at the next customer.

Me: “I can help the next customer.”

After a moment, the next customer slowly walked up and ordered. The woman, meanwhile, looked startled and maybe a little upset that I was not playing along with whatever power play she was trying for.

After a few seconds, she turned and walked straight out. I never heard anything more about it, and I didn’t get in trouble, though I do feel a little bad for not helping her with whatever her issue was.