(I’m the front-desk operator at an intensive outpatient facility/school for abused and developmentally challenged children. During a particularly stressful day, I get a phone call from an unknown number)
Me: [Company and location], this is [My name], how can I help you?
Caller: Yes, I hope you can help me. I’m trying to reach [Cable Company].
Me: Ma’am, this isn’t [Cable Company].
Caller: (not listening) Well, my girl friend’s phone is down and I was trying to reach [Cable Company] to get it back up.
Me: Ma’am we’re an intensive outpatient facility for children ages 3 to 12. We’re not affiliated with [Cable Company].
Caller: You’ll have to speak slower, because I didn’t understand a thing you said.
Me: (Now a bit frustrated) Ma’am, we’re [Company], not [Cable Company]. There’s nothing we can do to help with your phone.
Caller: Oh. Well, can you get me the number for [Cable Company]?
Me: … No.
My friend is from a not very well known country, and therefore, her culture is a little…different from ours. For example, her great uncle was apparently a great ruler of her home country and there were rumors that he was a mass killer, among a few other hobbies her family has. As my parents were talking this over at the dinner table, my younger brother decides to throw in his two cents:
Brother: I think [Friend’s Name]’s family is evil. Her uncle is a mass killer, and her father is also a killer! He hunts bears!
Now, I’m scared to bring him anywhere near her in case he says something stupid like this. He has a tendency to say things he shouldn’t!
Me, answering the phone: Thank you for calling (clinic name). This is (my name). How may I help you today?
Caller: Are you open tomorrow?
Me: No, I’m sorry, but we’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Caller: Oh. And you’re closing permanently?
Me: Not to my knowledge.
Caller: Then you’re still available for pick up?
Me: I’m sorry, but what were you hoping to pick up?
Caller: Is this the Mediterranean restaurant?
Me:…No, this is (clinic name).
Caller: Oh! I’m sorry; wrong number.
This was in a Chinese Restaurant for (special lunch-time tradition). Our family were seated next to a stereotypical entitled family, the mum with THAT haircut and the kids with devices and (bright green soft drink) in their cups and Cola in the baby’s bottle.
YOUNG WAITRESS: “Hello, may I take your order?”
*the family doesn’t reply*
YOUNG WAITRESS (speaking louder, but obviously not yelling) “May I take your order?”
*the family doesn’t reply*
YOUNG WAITRESS (speaking even louder, but still not yelling) “May I take your order?”
MUM: “Ugh, you don’t have to yell. I am obviously busy with my phone! My phone is the only thing entertaining me I will not be coming back.”
9-12 YEAR OLD GIRL: “MUM! THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE! I JUST WANT TO PLAY MY VIDEO GAAAMES! NO-ONE CARES ABOUT ME!”
The poor young waitress is overwhelmed and confused, whilst the mum is cuddling her child.
When the family is done, the waitress comes to us, obviously a little shaken.
We get it done very quickly, and my brother remarks: “I wish that we were in America so we could tip her.”
I work at a hospital. One day I received an email through our patient/staff email server. Note: anyone with a patient/staff account can send a message to anyone else in the server.
Sender:
Please do not bring up my recent abortion to my mother during our visit. I haven’t decided how to talk to her.
My reply:
I am very sorry but you must have the wrong address. I hope you get in contact with your doctor before your visit.
I specialize in pediatric cancer. I could not comprehend sending such a message.
