Payback, of a sort

[mamadeb]

I am socially awkward. Seriously. The time I should have been learning/absorbing normal social behavior, I spent in a corner with a book. Sometimes it was by choice, but sometimes it was the ONLY choice, and I don't really observe humans very well anyway.

But in college, I discovered Miss Manners, and Miss Manners is wonderful because she gives RULES of behavior that, if followed, allowed me to act normally. I had algorithms to follow and the fall backs of "I'm sorry" and "Thank you", which always work. Which means I thank anyone I think is reasonable to thank, including bus drivers and cashiers and bag packers. I also don't ask for anything special, like "I"m a good customer, so don't charge me your delivery fee."

What happens? Usually, I get a smile and a "you're welcome" and that's about it. Which is all I look for.

But I have had cashiers NOT charge me for delivery, and deli guys slip me a little extra, or counter people upgrade my drinks without me asking. And today, instead of having to wait 3 hours or so for a delivery from a store down my street (usually not a problem anyway), one of the guys loaded my boxes onto a handtruck and took them right to my house, and up the stairs. I tipped him well, and thanked him, but he did it because he didn't think I should have to wait. I didn't expect it - I never expect it - but it's nice when it happens.

Comments

[ariestess]

Situations like that always brighten my day when they happen. I never ask for the special treatment either. Partially because I've worked customer service [both customer-facing and non-customer-facing] and I know what a thankless job it can be.

[florahart]

Also, even when it gets to you no material benefit, it makes people smile, while is feel-good-making anyway. It's as good a reason to be polite as any.

[true_statement]

I often slip a free book to customers who refrain from driving me up the wall.

[caseylane]

My entire family has worked with the public at one time or another. You would be surprised at how rare common courtesy is. Good for you because a thank you is a wonderful gift. Good for that guy too for acknowledging this by a kind action of his own.