We Can’t Be Fluid On The Definition Of Liquid Damage

I’m a teen, working at a cell phone store in the mid-2000s. A customer is complaining that his phone stopped working after three days.

Me: “Sir, it seems that this device got wet.”

Customer: “Well, duh, I can’t exactly shower and not get wet, can I?”

Me: “Did you shower with your cell phone?”

Customer: “Obviously! I wanted to be able to take my calls in the shower; otherwise, what’s the point of having a phone you carry around with you?”

Me: “For most people, it’s so that they can take their phones outside with them, not for showering. I’m afraid we can’t honor your warranty as water damage isn’t covered.”

Customer: “But I didn’t break it!”

Me: “You did, sir, by getting it wet. It can’t get wet.”

Customer: “What do you mean it can’t get wet? Is it made of cardboard?!”

Me: “It’s made of circuitry that carries an electric current. Water and electricity don’t mix.”

Customer: “Well then, it’s your fault for not explaining that when I bought it!”

Me: “Sir, with all due respect, we don’t feel the need to explain to most customers that you shouldn’t take cell phone calls in the shower.”

He ranted a bit more and had a manager explain it to him, but he still couldn’t understand how having a shower with his phone would result in liquid damage.