Unable To Help Yourself

(I’m waiting in line at the self-checkout. I watch this exchange happen between an associate and two customers.)

Customer: “Ugh, I can’t get this—“ *gestures to bookshelf* “—onto the scanner to scan!”

Associate: *busy helping another customer*

Customer: *shouting* “Did you hear me?! I can’t get it to scan!”

Associate: *turns to face woman but doesn’t move closer* “Ma’am, there’s a hand scanner on top of the machine; use that.”

Customer: *huffy, grabs the scanner* “Well, what do I look like, a cashier?”

(Finally, the customer’s friend, who has been quiet the entire time, says:)

Customer’s Friend: “No, but you look like an idiot who doesn’t know how to use a self-checkout and throws a tantrum.”

(The customer got really quiet and left in a hurry after that!)