These Wheels Don’t Revolve Around You
(A middle-aged customer approaches me. I’m helping an elderly customer who has fallen out of his wheelchair, back into his chair. I’m a small guy: about 5’6″ tall and 120lbs.)
Middle-Aged Customer: “Hey, you!”
Me: “I’ll be with you in a moment, miss.”
(I continue struggling to help the elderly customer back into his wheelchair.)
Middle-Aged Customer: “Help me now, d*** it! I’m in a hurry; he can f****** wait!”
(I ignore her until I am able to get the elderly customer back in his wheelchair. I start checking to see if he is okay.)
Me: “Are you sure you’re alright, sir?”
(The middle-aged customer grabs my shoulder, pulling me to face her.)
Middle-Aged Customer: “I said, NOW!”
Elderly Customer: “Now listen here you b****! What the h*** gives you the right to talk to this young man—much less grab him—like that? He told you he’d help you in a minute. People like you are what’s wrong with the world. The world doesn’t revolve around you. Stop acting like a d*** child!”
Middle-Aged Customer: *storms off*
This story is included in our Wheelchairs Versus Ableism roundup!
Question of the Week
Have you ever served a bad customer who got what they deserved?
