#wait staff

Wait staff

Photo: Press Agency Atlantic Press via 1st Dibs

I am one of the most non-confrontational people I know. I hate conflict and I hate arguing in person, it makes me terribly anxious. If it’s a stranger increase that tenfold. Yet, when I was trying to get my data transferred to a new phone at the store and had a lot of waiting around to do, a lady came in with her daughter, and a worker informed her she couldn’t return whatever it was she was trying to. Immediate attitude change, started actively yelling at this poor guy and insisting he had to take it. I didn’t want to, but all I said was “You’re yelling in a phone store, it’s making everyone uncomfortable.” I wish I could have said more, worded it better, I wish I could have said “your daughter is with you and what are you teaching her? That throwing a tantrum and yelling is the way to get what you want? This guy doesn’t get paid enough to be berated by you, he told you the answer, now listen and leave.” But I didn’t because I couldn’t think. And you know what happened? She said “well SORRyyy.” Trailed off. And was much more pleasant. Even my clumsy wording made a change. I felt uncomfortable and awkward afterwards, yes. But when she left, the employee actually thanked me for saying something. If someone like me can do this, you can. Make it completely socially unacceptable to behave that way, don’t stay silent.