what happened to common courtesy?

Today was pretty much my last day at the salon, and boy am I glad that it was. Don't get me wrong, I love the majority of the women that I work with and the job is very simple with lots of perks, but the clients can be downright nasty sometimes.

One woman today came up to the front desk to pay. She was chatting on the phone (quite loudly) so I waited patiently for her to finish her call and began working at the computer. A few moments later, she decided it was perfectly acceptable to wave her freshly polished hand obnoxiously in front of my face to get my attention, and bark to me, "Take out my wallet!" while still on the phone.

Not long after that, a woman called to book an appointment. I placed her on hold while I checked out a client who was waiting. When I answered the call, she asked about getting an appointment next Saturday with a stylist who books up very quickly. First of all, she should have known better than to try and get something with such short notice. This particular stylist books up so quickly because she doesn't work very often and is only ever available one evening out of the whole week. That makes it really hard for us receptionists to keep her clients happy.

Of course, a line of people are waiting to check out as I attempt to find this woman an appointment:

"Are you available during the week at all?"

"Only evenings. What does she have Thursday?"

"Well, she only works til 5 that day. She has a 3:30 though."

"I said evenings!"

"Okay, well, her next evening or weekend isn't until September 5th. Would you like to wait til then?"

"Absolutely not! Well, sometimes I can come in during the day..."

"What day can I look at for you?"

"ANY! Tell me what she has!"

(I'm growing increasingly frustrated, and the waiting clients do not look happy. Miraculously, I find an appointment that somehow fits into her schedule...)

"Okay, could I have your last name please?"

"C-A-mumble mumble mumble."

"Could you spell that a bit more slowly for me?"

"C-A-mumble mumble mumble."

"I'm having trouble finding you. Have you been here before?"

"YES! C-A-mumble mumble mumble."

(She was talking so fast and mumbley that I couldn't tell if she was saying V or B or D or T...)

"Was that B as in Boy?"

"NO! I said T as in CAT! Meow, meow, MEOW!!!"

(Oh my god, did she seriously just meow at me?)

"Okay, I've got it now. Beth, correct?"

"Yes, OH-LIVE-EE-AH!"

(Seriously? Are we four years old? I quickly wrap things up and turn bright red as I apologize to the waiting clients for the delay.)

What has happened to good old common courtesy? I understand she was upset that she couldn't get in when she wanted, but to be so rude to me was uncalled for. That's part of the problem with working at a classy salon: some of the people who come in are rich bitches who don't care about anyone but themselves. Well, at least I have a new job to look forward to.

I've discovered that in the service industries and retail, customers don't always feel like it's their duty to remain polite. I don't understand how some people can have such disregard for the feelings of others "below" them. People whose job is to serve others deserve the most respect in my opinion since they have to put up with people all day long, probably not for the greatest pay. Getting used and abused isn't fun for anyone.

So here's my task for you, readers: Next time you are at the grocery store or out to eat or getting your nails done, please go out of your way to be extra nice to those who are serving you. A genuine "thank you" or "good job" goes a surprisingly long way.

(picture from here)