Tolerated Entitlement Breeds More Entitlement

I’m in a very small queue at the checkout with only one cashier open, with one customer being served, one waiting and socially distanced, and then me, also well distanced, using the obvious markers on the floor. A woman joins the queue, stands directly behind me, and immediately starts shouting.

Customer: “They need to open another checkout!”

A member of staff walks past while obviously stocking shelves.

Customer: *Getting angry* “You! You need to open another checkout.”

She’s ignored.

Customer: *Even louder* “OPEN ANOTHER CHECKOUT!”

I’m so pleased that my moment has come. I turn around to get her to calm down and she’s only inches away from me.

Me: “There are only two customers ahead of you; just be a little patient.”

Customer: *Sneering at me* “I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! I’M VERY BUSY!”

Me: “Then don’t go shopping!”

Customer: “Mind your own business.”

I was about to tell her she’d made it my business when it was my turn at the checkout. She was still insisting on another checkout to be opened even though she was the only other customer waiting to be served. It wasn’t an explosive encounter, but it felt good to not tolerate her behaviour.