Have you ever encountered the type of person who's so miserable with their own existence that they're determined to make everyone's life just as hard to bear? I was unfortunate enough to run across just such a young man the other day.
I had to get a prescription filled. The line stretched back about four people deep and this young man didn't want to be at work that day. As each of the elderly customers ahead of me cringed when he barked for them to come to the counter, he'd pound on the computer a bit harder each time, cursing under his breath when the computer rebelled as the keys jammed due to abusive pounding. This boy really hated his job.
My turn came. I smiled, paid and told him I hoped his day got better. I was rewarded with a shoved bag across the counter and a snarled, "Yeah, whatever."
At first, I thought I'd complain to the manager but then my twisted sense of humor got the best of me when I remembered this old joke I'd once heard, so I just laughed out loud and left. Forgive me, if you've already heard it.
Two southern belles were swinging on the veranda sipping their tea. The first southern belle turned to her friend and said, "I want you to look out there at my beautiful new car Daddy bought me. Isn't it just the loveliest car you've eva' seen?"
The second belle nodded and replied, "That's nice."
Then the first southern belle waved her hand toward a prancing stallion. "And look over there. Daddy paid more money for my new horse than your Daddy has eva' seen. Have you eva' seen a horse so fine?"
The second belle nodded again and repeated, "That's nice."
By this time, the first southern belle is a little perturbed. She sets down her tea and says, "So, tell me. What has yo' daddy eva' bought for you?"
The second belle takes a sip of her tea and then says, "Daddy sent me to a fine southern charm school."
"A charm school?" The first belle huffs. "Well, what did they teach you at this so-called fine charm school?"
The second belle dabs her napkin to her lips and says, "They taught us to say, That's nice instead of Go to hell."
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Unbelievably wonderful retort, Maeve. I had heard it before, but had forgotten. People are so used to rudeness these days we've gotten hardened toward it. I love to walk down the street of our small town and smile at people or tell them to have a good day. The stunned look on their faces is worth the effort. One must hope it might have brightened a moment of their drab day if they can't respond with a smile on their own. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat's that old saying? Smile, they'll wonder what you're up to? :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone is on a hard journey, it never hurts to offer a smile in return for a word of kindness. Stuff like this really fries my gourd when I know how many would be thankful to have a job. I guess this man's shoe hasn't been on the other foot yet. His day will come. Glad you took the high road.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's got their own reality. Hopefully, one day, his will get better.
ReplyDeleteI have actually never heard that. How very true. Did you ever think about how many times you literally have to bite your tongue?
ReplyDeleteI hear you. I sometimes can't help myself and I comment to people like. Are you okay? What happened? stuff like that. It works too sometimes embarrass people kindly. We are writers that's what we do best, use words.
ReplyDeleteHi Maeve, You made me smile this morning.
ReplyDeleteI've run into this at the local grocery. I always just figured the checker was having a bad day and let it go at that. And now they have those great self-scanners! I can run in, check out, without having to deal with any people. I'm thinking that's what our world will eventually come to, but look at all the jobs those machines are replacing!
ReplyDeleteGreat joke. There are times that I do the same thing to those who are rude or short with me. Most of the time, I can tell if the person is just having a bad day or it is their usual demeanor. As one that does not like confrontation, it forces me to corral a sarcastic reply or remark. Most of the time, if I know they are having a bad day, I try to cheer them up.
ReplyDeleteThen there are those who just want to tee you off because misery loves company. They want you to be as miserable as they are. To these people, a smile or a laugh will actually get under their skin. I know that may not be right but I refuse to let them get under my skin.
Dennis Clarkston
AKA Clark Stone
We can't let others drag us down! Thanks for stopping by. :)
ReplyDeleteLong live us southern (western) gals! There's more than one way to skin a cat. Celia
ReplyDeleteAmen, Celia! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your reaction! I find it hard to ignore rudeness, but know I'll regret it if I let my manners slide. Try being a 9-1-1 dispatcher and NOT argue with a drunk, or a distraught relative who won't listen to your directions so YOU can help their loved one dying in front of them. Bring on the rude ones. I'll laugh, now.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to customer service? And the customer is always right? Jeez. It's like young people never heard of it.
ReplyDeleteIt's even funnier when I read it out loud for myself! :-) It's so fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great story.
The only thing better would have been to tell the fool the whole joke. Keep on going Maeve.
ReplyDeleteGreat joke. (-;
ReplyDeleteLove the joke, being a Brit, I've never heard that one before. I find it very sad that good manners and respect are just two things that are disappearing more each day. They may sound old fashioned to modern youth, but certainly both of them make the world a better place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the post. The southern belle joke is delightful and I'm glad you were able to bring it to mind to keep from letting that encounter flip your lid. Hopefully, the clerk's day and attitude improved before he ruined too many others'.
ReplyDeleteI agree that manners have disappeared in some demographics. Didn't you just want to grab that young man by the hand and say, "I'm sorry you're having a bad day, but there's no need to spread it around," and smile sweetly? I like that TV commercial about passing along a kindness. I hope it makes an impression on viewers.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Taking the high road is the only way to travel!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard it but love this Maeve! Very nice non reply to a rude young man.
ReplyDeleteI work at a dental office and there can be some rude patients, but you just smile and bite your tongue. It's a bloody mess sometimes. lol
ReplyDeleteLoved the southern belle's response. :)
Great story, Maeve! I've always thought everyone should work customer service at least once in their lives. Pretty sad that the person giving the customer service is the one with the bad attitude. I do like your response. Responding with negativity just keeps the cycle going.
ReplyDelete