My Rant (and then I'll feel better)

[Cedwards38]

OK, I have to mention this pet peeve in hopes that some offenders will read it and maybe be a little more considerate of others. Several times in the last few weeks I have been in a situation where I am in a line to check out (Target, Barnes and Noble, Arden's Jewelry, Lowes, and Citizens First Bank where there were a number of people waiting to do business but one customer was obliviously engaged in a conversation with the clerk or teller that was completely inconsequential to the business at hand. Examples are: telling the clerk about a problem with another business, telling the clerk about how hard they had looked for the item they were purchasing, telling the clerk about the books they had read lately, etc. They were telling some story while a number of us were waiting(some more patiently than me I'll admit) for service. This is not the worst thing that can happen to someone, but please, notice when you are inconveniencing others and move along. Thanks. I feel better now. Comments?

[marianne237]

Amen.

[ilovetv]

Amen.

If people need more social contact, which many do, TV is perfectly designed for socialization and conversation at 3 town squares and dozens of beautiful recreation centers where a person can go and chat all day long, with different people every day of the week.

Of course a cashier has to be friendly and courteous, but they should be doing their job, first, for all customers in line, not just the needier one.

A grocery store, bank or post office line is a place of business, not a social hall.

[justjim]

OP, I hear you. There is a time and place for "long" conversations. Occasionaly I see something similar in restaurants---"long" conversations with the Server who needs to be getting our order and somebody's food.

This time of the year it's especially frustrating---but don't let it ruin your day. Patience is a virtue---good to remember.

[Rango]

Been there. Too much Jibber Jabber!

[quirky3]

Part of it may be a southern cultural thing. The very first week I moved to Florida from New England, I was in a line at Walmart and several people in front of me, the lady checking out was busy showing the cashier (whom she didn't know) multiple pictures of her grandchildren. No one else seemed surprised or annoyed. I'm not saying it's "right", but I think it goes with the territory.

[SusanOfWoodbury]

Did you talk with the manager of the store? Because if these clerks are talkative with one person and there are long lines, they will continue the behavior until someone steps in.

Just saying

[jhrc4]

Love this posting: How about this.

Waiting in line at Dunkin Donuts, Panera Bread et. etc. plenty of time to view what the choices are ...Then comes decision time when the clerk says the Magic Question, what would you like ?

And the reply is ummmm, aaaaa, ummmmmm aaaaaaa, oh gee, ummmmm, aaaaaaaaa, turns to the child and magically asks what would you like Johnny, Billy, Susie, etc. whatever, and there is more ummmmmmm, aaaaaaaa, gee I don't Know....Mommy, or Grandma, Of course most of the time without children and there is the same...ummmmmm, aaaaaaaaa, etc.

Please look at what is on offer, decide, make your choice before it is your turn and ORDER !

[Cedwards38]

Did you talk with the manager of the store? Because if these clerks are talkative with one person and there are long lines, they will continue the behavior until someone steps in.

Just saying

I did not talk to the manager because I really believe the clerks were just being polite and the customer was the one initiating and sustaining the conversation.

[CFrance]

It's called lack of situational awareness--many people are just oblivious to what's going on around them. Same thing applies when there's a checkout line and the person waits till the total is rung up to get out their checkbook and start writing.

So many of us are too self-absorbed, as well.

I think the cashiers should be trained in a polite way to fend off the grandma showing pictures, etc., and keep the checkout line moving.

[Bonnevie]

I, too, have bristled over this and also people not making choice before getting to order taker at Panera, etc. I try to take a deep breath and tell myself I'm retired now and a few extra minutes are not going to matter to me.

[perrjojo]

I was checking out at Radio Shack when two separate people came up, and asked a question which required a bit of time to answer. This took the cashier away from my transaction while I just stood there. My peeve, people who think it's ok to butt in because they are more important.

[justjim]

Part of it may be a southern cultural thing. The very first week I moved to Florida from New England, I was in a line at Walmart and several people in front of me, the lady checking out was busy showing the cashier (whom she didn't know) multiple pictures of her grandchildren. No one else seemed surprised or annoyed. I'm not saying it's "right", but I think it goes with the territory.

The region of the country you come from does make a difference. Coming from a small Midwest town not that far from Kentucky---life generally was pretty laid back. When we moved north to a big big city---"things" were different. :crap2:

We might as well get over it---Florida is not New York, Jersey or Chicago. Thank God for that!! :pray:

[MikeV]

Love this posting: How about this.

Waiting in line at Dunkin Donuts, Panera Bread et. etc. plenty of time to view what the choices are ...Then comes decision time when the clerk says the Magic Question, what would you like ?

And the reply is ummmm, aaaaa, ummmmmm aaaaaaa, oh gee, ummmmm, aaaaaaaaa, turns to the child and magically asks what would you like Johnny, Billy, Susie, etc. whatever, and there is more ummmmmmm, aaaaaaaa, gee I don't Know....Mommy, or Grandma, Of course most of the time without children and there is the same...ummmmmm, aaaaaaaaa, etc.

Please look at what is on offer, decide, make your choice before it is your turn and ORDER !

You hit the nail on the head. This is one of my pet peeves. :rant-rave:

[graciegirl]

It's called lack of situational awareness--many people are just oblivious to what's going on around them. Same thing applies when there's a checkout line and the person waits till the total is rung up to get out their checkbook and start writing.

So many of us are too self-absorbed, as well.

I think the cashiers should be trained in a polite way to fend off the grandma showing pictures, etc., and keep the checkout line moving.





What an astute observation. So correct, and quirky3's as well. We are a little more social here sometimes in certain situations than we should be.


But mostly, it is a nice kind of interaction. Sometimes it is a lapse, not thinking of others.

[CFrance]

I, too, have bristled over this and also people not making choice before getting to order taker at Panera, etc. I try to take a deep breath and tell myself I'm retired now and a few extra minutes are not going to matter to me.

I frequently cannot read the menu board at some places (like Panera and Starbucks) from where I am a few people back in line. I either have to get a takeout menu or stand aside in a spot closer up to decide what I want. This is my own problem, not anyone else's, but it may explain why some people don't know what they want when they get up to the head of the line.

[casita37]

It's called lack of situational awareness--many people are just oblivious to what's going on around them. Same thing applies when there's a checkout line and the person waits till the total is rung up to get out their checkbook and start writing.

So many of us are too self-absorbed, as well.

I think the cashiers should be trained in a polite way to fend off the grandma showing pictures, etc., and keep the checkout line moving.



Situational awareness!!!! My new favorite term...LOL I get irked at people in the grocery store who leave the cart on one side of the aisle (or in the middle) while they stand between it and the other side looking at products and don't seem to have a clue you are there. Noticed a couple of ladies in Publix the other day standing, one on each side of the aisle, talking. They were still there after I had pretty much completed my shopping and every person who went down that aisle had to say "excuse me" and manuever between them. Is there some reason they couldn't stand on the same side???

Thanks to the OP.....venting does feel good! I actually have a little mental pep talk before going into Publix this time of year....take a deep breath, smile (not often returned, btw) and just be patient. Now I will add....remember these people are afflicted with lack of "situational awareness". They can't help themselves.:girlneener:

[OBXNana]

I have a reverse problem and don't know how to handle tactfully. As a customer, I respond to a cashier's question of how are you doing, with well and how are you? Then for what seems like eternity, I get their long, drawn out background. I see the line forming behind me and truly don't know what to do. I don't want to be rude and find I simply stand there and smile moving my head up and down. It would appear to the people at the end of the line I'm chatting, when if fact, I'm having to listen.

My husband says I'm like a magnet and attract this type of response. After many years I'm trying to change my response to how are you, to well and thank you for asking. It isn't easy, but seeing this thread, I need to work on this a bit.

[casita37]

I have a reverse problem and don't know how to handle tactfully. As a customer, I respond to a cashier's question of how are you doing, with well and how are you? Then for what seems like eternity, I get their long, drawn out background. I see the line forming behind me and truly don't know what to do. I don't want to be rude and find I simply stand there and smile moving my head up and down. It would appear to the people at the end of the line I'm chatting, when if fact, I'm having to listen.

My husband says I'm like a magnet and attract this type of response. After many years I'm trying to change my response to how are you, to well and thank you for asking. It isn't easy, but seeing this thread, I need to work on this a bit.

There's one at Publix and one at Fresh Market whose lines I will avoid, if at all possible, for that very reason.

[CFrance]

There's one at Publix and one at Fresh Market whose lines I will avoid, if at all possible, for that very reason.

We made the mistake one time of saying what we couldn't find, when asked by the cashier if we found everything we wanted. There were several people behind us, and he stopped everything to call someone over to go find the item.

We only wanted to know for the next time we came in and were quite embarrassed at holding up the line. Duh!:oops: If I really need what I can't find, I should go ask an employee before getting in the checkout line.

[karostay]

Yawn

[mickey100]

It's called lack of situational awareness--many people are just oblivious to what's going on around them. Same thing applies when there's a checkout line and the person waits till the total is rung up to get out their checkbook and start writing….

Thank you for mentioning that. One of my pet peeves at the grocery store. Please have your check ready, or your credit card ready to scan!

[casita37]

Thank you for mentioning that. One of my pet peeves at the grocery store. Please have your check ready, or your credit card ready to scan!

Yep...I have to remind my own husband to go ahead and get his wallet out.

[Thnonne]

This is one of the great things about TOTV, it lets you know you are not alone. All the things listed here that bug the posters are things I have ranted about at one time or another. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone

[In awe of TV]

That's another pet peeve - people still using checkbooks! Sometimes it takes for ever to write out the checks and the cashier needs to validate, on and on. Why would anyone still write out checks, especially at the grocery store? The only time I write out a checks is because I'm giving it as a gift.

[jhrc4]

That's another pet peeve - people still using checkbooks! Sometimes it takes for ever to write out the checks and the cashier needs to validate, on and on. Why would anyone still write out checks, especially at the grocery store? The only time I write out a checks is because I'm giving it as a gift.

Of Course the ( Check Writer ) when the whole transaction is finished everything has to be neatly put back into place Neatly Tucked into it's proper area, a little pat on the purse, smile to the clerk, ignore the frustrated people waiting while this whole dog and pony show is going on, and prances off like the she/he is the only person around.

[ilovetv]

Regarding:


As a customer, I respond to a cashier's question of how are you doing, with well and how are you? Then for what seems like eternity, I get their long, drawn out background. I see the line forming behind me and truly don't know what to do. I don't want to be rude and find I simply stand there and smile moving my head up and down. It would appear to the people at the end of the line I'm chatting, when if fact, I'm having to listen.

I'm wary of that too (having the cashier tell their life story when they really need a husband that will show up, act like a man, and support his children and household). I listen but try to break in to say, looking at the line behind me, "I hear you (with sympathetic voice)....but I don't want to hold up the other customers behind me who need to get going".

Another problem in these scenarios is when managers are standing right there, talking to bag boys or whomever, but they will NOT use their keys and hands and open a register to clear up the lines. It looks like collecting money from customers is a very low priority or beneath their level of managerial status.

[billjay23]

For each and everyone who has responded to the original -- what's the hurry? What's so important that we can't wait an extra few minutes either in line in a store, on a cart path, at an intersection or on the road.

Enjoy your retirement, vacation or whatever...relax. Getting aggravated over something like this is not good for your mental or physical health.

[Trish Crocker]

I agree it can be really aggravating, especially if you are already having a bad day. I remember the days that I had to get back to work, had to get home to let the baby sitter leave, had an appointment or needed to get my kids from school. Today, I try to make it to the square before happy hour ends. Chill...grab a magazine from the rack and check out what the Kardashians are doing (ugh!) or who has the worst body on the beach...try striking up a conversation with the person next to you..I have had great times chatting and didn't notice the time passing. Most of all...RELAX!!! It isn't worth getting your blood pressure up!!!

[vj1213]

I guess I am just one of those southern people (no I'm not the one holding up the lines) but it doesn't bother me to wait...I just read all the titles on the trash magazines in the rack. I was at Walmart one day and when I got to the cashier she was so apologetic about the lady in front of me taking up so much time...I simply said, oh no problem, I'm not in any hurry...her response...well, you must not live in The Villages. ( Made me laugh)

[CFrance]

That's another pet peeve - people still using checkbooks! Sometimes it takes for ever to write out the checks and the cashier needs to validate, on and on. Why would anyone still write out checks, especially at the grocery store? The only time I write out a checks is because I'm giving it as a gift.

And paying the #$%^&* North Sumter Cty UDD Utility bill, who won't let you pay online without charging you $5!

[casita37]

For each and everyone who has responded to the original -- what's the hurry? What's so important that we can't wait an extra few minutes either in line in a store, on a cart path, at an intersection or on the road.

Enjoy your retirement, vacation or whatever...relax. Getting aggravated over something like this is not good for your mental or physical health.

I think you may be missing the point, or reading a bit more into this thread than there really is. It's just good natured "venting". Nobody's getting too stressed or being driven to drink......well, maybe .......:beer3: Cheers!

[CFrance]

I think you may be missing the point, or reading a bit more into this thread than there really is. It's just good natured "venting". Nobody's getting too stressed or being driven to drink......well, maybe .......:beer3: Cheers!

Ha ha, Casita! I'm having a glass of wine over this rant as we speak. There's nothing like a good venting to make the grapes taste better.:girlneener:

[casita37]

Ha ha, Casita! I'm having a glass of wine over this rant as we speak. There's nothing like a good venting to make the grapes taste better.:girlneener:

Good idea....I think I'll join you!

[rn1tv]

CFrance, why don't you set up a monthly automatic debit to your checking account? Saves a lot of hassle!

[CFrance]

CFrance, why don't you set up a monthly automatic debit to your checking account? Saves a lot of hassle!

I realize that's common practice, but I've had bad luck with that in the past (double deductions) and prefer to go online to pay my bills, or have them charged to a credit card where I have immediate recourse if something happens.

[Steve & Deanna]

The most aggravating thing is a person in front of you checking out.....and is on their cell phone. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING !!!! Got that one off my chest. Wheewww !!!

[NoMoSno]

I think much of the problem is the stores that have 20 or more check out lanes, but only have 5 or 6 lanes open. Each lane has a dozen waiting to check out.
This is the busy season. Hire a few more workers.

[lightworker888]

My biggest challenge is to avoid shopping when I have a class to get to. That is usually the only time I feel pushed for time. There are so many activities that have definite "start" time that even though we may be retired, some of us are still on some sort of schedule. So shopping for me needs to be a time set aside for that with time for checking out added in. I just have to remember when I get to TV, to time my shopping!

LW888

[TheVillageChicken]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/allsteel29/newspaper2.jpg

[FlamingoFlo]

I once read somewhere...people need to realize "how are you?" is really just a greeting and not a question. My answer is always "fantastic, thanks for asking."
I have many of the same pet peeves as everyone else, but life is too short to let it really bother you.

[CFrance]

As was stated before, the "rant" was started in fun, and nobody is obsessing over these things. Nothing wrong with a little venting.

[archerlc]

Why do they put the nicest personality at the quick checkout register? Put an anti social, efficient person there. No chit chat. Business only.
And don't get me started on the person who hears " $10.34 please" and then starts the search for change. The little fingers dig into a small, dark, change purse. And starts the search for a quarter, dime, pulls out a nickel , throws that back in , and then pulls out various coins until 4 pennies are found. My inner voice is screaming, "Just give the cashier $11.00. " LOL

[CFrance]

Why do they put the nicest personality at the quick checkout register? Put an anti social, efficient person there. No chit chat. Business only.
And don't get me started on the person who hears " $10.34 please" and then starts the search for change. The little fingers dig into a small, dark, change purse. And starts the search for a quarter, dime, pulls out a nickel , throws that back in , and then pulls out various coins until 4 pennies are found. My inner voice is screaming, "Just give the cashier $11.00. " LOL

And from the other side of that, if I'm told $10.34 and I open my change purse, for sure my fingers become twice their normal size, and I'm going to spill everything in my rush to try not to hold up the line. So you're right--give 'em the $11!!!

[renielarson]

For each and everyone who has responded to the original -- what's the hurry? What's so important that we can't wait an extra few minutes either in line in a store, on a cart path, at an intersection or on the road.

Enjoy your retirement, vacation or whatever...relax. Getting aggravated over something like this is not good for your mental or physical health.

I so agree! What's the hurry? We're retired. When I'm waiting in line, regardless of the situation, I always remind myself that some people are lonely and this could be their only social contact for the day.

This is a great video to remind ourselves that we don't always know what's going on in another person's life:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151976487412989&set=vb.714777988&type=2&theater

[casita37]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/allsteel29/newspaper2.jpg

:a20:
That's clever! Love a sense of humor.

[jblum315]

My worst experience was standing in line at Joann, where the customer ahead of me took a sandwich out of her bag, unwrapped it, ate it, then unwrapped and ate a candy bar, folded the wrappings and put them back in her bag and then finally left the store. I'm like WTF is going on?

[Happinow]

As for the checkbooks.......where I used to live, we wrote checks just about every time we went to the grocery store, the clothing store and any other store we visited. Once we wrote the first check at the grocery store, they had our info on file and we breezed right through even faster than swiping a credit card. Since living here, I've noticed that they seem to make it much more inconvenient to write checks. They have to take your license each time which In Turn holds up the line, making for some frustrated customers behind you. After writing only two checks at Publix, I decided it wasn't worth the time and wait to complete the transaction this way. Perhaps they should take a look at making it easier for customers to write checks. I personally know if the store implements different means of accepting the check then it will be more customer friendly.

[casita37]

As for the checkbooks.......where I used to live, we wrote checks just about every time we went to the grocery store, the clothing store and any other store we visited. Once we wrote the first check at the grocery store, they had our info on file and we breezed right through even faster than swiping a credit card. Since living here, I've noticed that they seem to make it much more inconvenient to write checks. They have to take your license each time which In Turn holds up the line, making for some frustrated customers behind you. After writing only two checks at Publix, I decided it wasn't worth the time and wait to complete the transaction this way. Perhaps they should take a look at making it easier for customers to write checks. I personally know if the store implements different means of accepting the check then it will be more customer friendly.

I think most stores are moving away from checks because their customers are moving away from checks. No idea about percentages, but I'm sure it's a high number of people using credit cards and debit cards.....probably over 90%. I bet it won't be too many years before there aren't even checks, at all.

[casita37]

My worst experience was standing in line at Joann, where the customer ahead of me took a sandwich out of her bag, unwrapped it, ate it, then unwrapped and ate a candy bar, folded the wrappings and put them back in her bag and then finally left the store. I'm like WTF is going on?

Low blood sugar, maybe?? That must have been a long line for her to get through a sandwich and candy bar. Could be the time just slipped up on her, but I can see how that would have been a little odd. I often have something in my purse, and if I feel my sugar getting too low, I will sneak a bite or two, as discreetly as possible.

[ilovetv]

As for the checkbooks.......where I used to live, we wrote checks just about every time we went to the grocery store, the clothing store and any other store we visited. Once we wrote the first check at the grocery store, they had our info on file and we breezed right through even faster than swiping a credit card. Since living here, I've noticed that they seem to make it much more inconvenient to write checks. They have to take your license each time which In Turn holds up the line, making for some frustrated customers behind you. After writing only two checks at Publix, I decided it wasn't worth the time and wait to complete the transaction this way. Perhaps they should take a look at making it easier for customers to write checks. I personally know if the store implements different means of accepting the check then it will be more customer friendly.

Where we're from (midwest) it was always a problem of copying ID/Drivers license numbers or store check-cashing card numbers when fiddling around with checks, and that is why Debit cards took hold so quickly and efficiently.

With debit card, the money is instantly taken out of the checking account, and by running it as "credit" thru the system, you have the protection of Mastercard or Visa against fraudulent use.

With debit and PIN number, or debit run as signed credit, there is no need to write checks and have cashiers fiddling around with hand copying ID numbers.

And about "people in a hurry" and "what's the hurry?".......Most of us have been working the last 40-50 years in jobs that required productivity and customer service, which means working fast and efficiently as well as courteously.

I think it's not that we're "in a hurry" so much as it is our awareness of productivity as employees or business managers/owners during decades of work, supervising employees, and ownership.

[Parker]

Oh yeah, the people (mostly women) who wait until the total rings up to slowly pull out their checkbook DRIVE ME CRAZY. Do they not anticipate that a check will be written at the end of the ringing-up process? I write my check while I'm waiting in line, leaving only the amount to be filled in. Of course, most of us don't write checks anymore anyway.

And yes, I am a woman too. I much prefer to get behind a man in line as they are much faster, unless they start pulling out the change...

[salpal]

The other thing: Ladies who must put everything back in their purse and organize themselves after they have paid, holding up the next customer. They do not think to just move to the side somewhere and "organize" themselves away from the line.

Okay, off my chest. Have a great day!

[TrudyM]

Oh yeah, the people (mostly women) who wait until the total rings up to slowly pull out their checkbook DRIVE ME CRAZY. Do they not anticipate that a check will be written at the end of the ringing-up process? I write my check while I'm waiting in line, leaving only the amount to be filled in. Of course, most of us don't write checks anymore anyway.

And yes, I am a woman too. I much prefer to get behind a man in line as they are much faster, unless they start pulling out the change...

Writing checks in the first place is hard for the clerk depending on the store policy and holds up everything, unless it is big ticket in which case there wouldn't be a line anyway. Cash or charge is my motto.

[asianthree]

lets not forget is was debit and charge cards that got us all new cards because of target...

[kbace6]

In this same vein of thinking. It drives me crazy when I am in line at someplace like a restaurant or an auto parts store and then the phone rings and they disregard the folks in line to give the person on the phone preference. Is it me? HELLO I'm standing right here! I AM a customer and I'm right in front of you! Not a potential customer who is likely price shopping or checking reservation times.

It just drives me NUTZ.

[casita37]

In this same vein of thinking. It drives me crazy when I am in line at someplace like a restaurant or an auto parts store and then the phone rings and they disregard the folks in line to give the person on the phone preference. Is it me? HELLO I'm standing right here! I AM a customer and I'm right in front of you! Not a potential customer who is likely price shopping or checking reservation times.

It just drives me NUTZ.

There is a reason for that. The person on the phone can't see what's going on. The customer at the counter can, plus the ringing of the phone is annoying, as you try to finish up your business. Not saying the clerk should stop dealing with you and complete their business with the phone caller, but they do need to answer the phone and either ask the person to hold, transfer them to another dept. or take a number to call back.

Also, one should never answer the phone with "Can you hold please?" That is extremely annoying and inefficient. Depending on the business, often it just as easy to transfer the call and be done with it. If they do need to talk to the person who answered the phone, again....ask them THEN if they can hold.

I just love all these little pet peeves we're getting off our chests.....LOL It might just stop us from actually being snappish or offensive in the real situation!

[CFrance]

lets not forget is was debit and charge cards that got us all new cards because of target...

Yes, but you have better fraud protection with a credit card than you do with a debit card and especially a check, which when you write one puts your name address, bank account number and bank routing number out there for many people to see.

I would much rather deal with a cc company after a fraudulent purchase to get my money back than a bank after someone has wiped out my account.

[graciegirl]

There is a reason for that. The person on the phone can't see what's going on. The customer at the counter can, plus the ringing of the phone is annoying, as you try to finish up your business. Not saying the clerk should stop dealing with you and complete their business with the phone caller, but they do need to answer the phone and either ask the person to hold, transfer them to another dept. or take a number to call back.

Also, one should never answer the phone with "Can you hold please?" That is extremely annoying and inefficient. Depending on the business, often it just as easy to transfer the call and be done with it. If they do need to talk to the person who answered the phone, again....ask them THEN if they can hold.

I just love all these little pet peeves we're getting off our chests.....LOL It might just stop us from actually being snappish or offensive in the real situation!



I dunno about it improving our collective humor, kiddo. This cold damp weather is gettin' to me. I don't want any more "snow" days. I could just bite. It IS good to vent, but I have just done more today than I usually do.


I am so glad we have this place and this forum. We are a spicy bunch, aren't we?

[CFrance]

There is a reason for that. The person on the phone can't see what's going on. The customer at the counter can, plus the ringing of the phone is annoying, as you try to finish up your business. Not saying the clerk should stop dealing with you and complete their business with the phone caller, but they do need to answer the phone and either ask the person to hold, transfer them to another dept. or take a number to call back.

Also, one should never answer the phone with "Can you hold please?" That is extremely annoying and inefficient. Depending on the business, often it just as easy to transfer the call and be done with it. If they do need to talk to the person who answered the phone, again....ask them THEN if they can hold.

I just love all these little pet peeves we're getting off our chests.....LOL It might just stop us from actually being snappish or offensive in the real situation!

I agree! Let us all rant so we won't come home from the store and yell at the poor dog!:grumpy:

[casita37]

Not to worry, Gracie....warming back up soon, and weren't the days just before this snap just glorious? I couldn't bring myself to stay inside.....my poor dirty house.:(

[batman911]

Southern folks, especially from smaller communities, consider it rude to conduct business without first exchanging social pleasantries. Just plain good manners. Have you ever noticed that people that are always in a hurry and can't be bothered with social exchanges are never smiling? I have yet to see anyone passing me in their golf cart with a smile on their face. Just saying. Wonder what makes them so unhappy and hurried?

[dillywho]

Amen.

If people need more social contact, which many do, TV is perfectly designed for socialization and conversation at 3 town squares and dozens of beautiful recreation centers where a person can go and chat all day long, with different people every day of the week.

Of course a cashier has to be friendly and courteous, but they should be doing their job, first, for all customers in line, not just the needier one.

A grocery store, bank or post office line is a place of business, not a social hall.

If some get the same cold shoulder that my sister-in-law and I did at the rec center(s), I can see why some stay away and visit with clerks, etc. She loves to play Pinochle so I took her over to play (I love to play, too) when she got here to visit. Reluctantly, they agreed to "let" us play but were anything but friendly. They definitely were not happy for the intrusion to their weekly gathering, even though it was and still is published in the Recreation News on Thursdays. You would have thought that we were there to run them out. Needless to say, this did not make a good impression on her of our Villages or me, since we had not been here very long. Unfortunately, too many people are not very social, but very cliquish. As one poster stated, some will not even bother to say hello when greeted the same.

Solution: We never went again and I came home and rounded up others from one of our clubs to play. We have a great time and anyone is welcome. We will even teach you if you don't know how. The more, the merrier for us. We just want people who want to have a good time for a few hours and leave negativity behind. We take turns hosting.

Maybe some of the chit-chatters have had similar experiences.

[casita37]

We totally got the cold shoulder when we went to bingo at Paradise, right after we moved here. It was so uncomfortable, we just left....which is, I'm sure, just what "they" all wanted. We will never go back to anything at Paradise and have shied away from other activities unless we already know someone to go with.

I'm also getting a little tired of smiling and waving and getting nothing in return. Lots of pushy people, too. We were standing behind a couple of people, at the bar, at Bonefish who appeared to be finishing up. As they were leaving, we kind of backed away to give them room to get out of the chairs, get their jackets on, etc. A couple came through the door and made a beeline for the chairs. My husband politely said, excuse me, but we've been waiting for those seats for a while. Couple just ignored him, turned around and proceeded to enjoy their evening, while we continued to stand and wait for 2 more seats. That kind of behavior is so foreign to me, I don't even know how to respond to people like that. End of the world? No, of course not, but don't tell me this is "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".....HA!!

[graciegirl]

We totally got the cold shoulder when we went to bingo at Paradise, right after we moved here. It was so uncomfortable, we just left....which is, I'm sure, just what "they" all wanted. We will never go back to anything at Paradise and have shied away from other activities unless we already know someone to go with.

I'm also getting a little tired of smiling and waving and getting nothing in return. Lots of pushy people, too. We were standing behind a couple of people, at the bar, at Bonefish who appeared to be finishing up. As they were leaving, we kind of backed away to give them room to get out of the chairs, get their jackets on, etc. A couple came through the door and made a beeline for the chairs. My husband politely said, excuse me, but we've been waiting for those seats for a while. Couple just ignored him, turned around and proceeded to enjoy their evening, while we continued to stand and wait for 2 more seats. That kind of behavior is so foreign to me, I don't even know how to respond to people like that. End of the world? No, of course not, but don't tell me this is "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".....HA!!



I truly, TRULY understand what you are saying. I have never encountered that kind of behavior before living here either.


It is more than surprising, it makes me sad.


We do have different upbringings for sure even though we are all "grown up"..


You are always so positive. Please don't ever change.

[CFrance]

We totally got the cold shoulder when we went to bingo at Paradise, right after we moved here. It was so uncomfortable, we just left....which is, I'm sure, just what "they" all wanted. We will never go back to anything at Paradise and have shied away from other activities unless we already know someone to go with.

I'm also getting a little tired of smiling and waving and getting nothing in return. Lots of pushy people, too. We were standing behind a couple of people, at the bar, at Bonefish who appeared to be finishing up. As they were leaving, we kind of backed away to give them room to get out of the chairs, get their jackets on, etc. A couple came through the door and made a beeline for the chairs. My husband politely said, excuse me, but we've been waiting for those seats for a while. Couple just ignored him, turned around and proceeded to enjoy their evening, while we continued to stand and wait for 2 more seats. That kind of behavior is so foreign to me, I don't even know how to respond to people like that. End of the world? No, of course not, but don't tell me this is "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".....HA!!

I heard this happened too, in another card group at one of the rec centers. It has made me reluctant to try to join one of those supposedly open groups of card players.

I'm sorry this happened to you, casita. And also, about what happened at Bonefish... The unfortunate part of that is that you end up feeling you must get as pushy as they are.

All I can say is, some on both coasts live in such crowded conditions that they have grown up having to fight for their "spots." When we lived in northern NJ I would go to Pathmark, a large grocery store, and frequently there would not be enough carts for everyone to have one. One time I had my cart "appropriated" by another shopper, and one time by a worker who wanted a cart to use for stocking! There were other instances too numerous to mention. You had to become proactive.

Those of us from Pittsburgh west to California simply cannot fathom that.

[Shimpy]

Too many times I am in the line to pick-up my prescription drugs and the woman in front is picking up hers plus a weeks worth of groceries. I can't believe Publix would allow people to hold up the line for prescriptions for someone trying to get around waiting in the normal lines for food.

[JB in TV]

I'll say this, and I'm totally ready for the backlash....

When we were still in the deciding stage to move here, we were at Panera Bread eating lunch and looking at floorplans. The couple next to us welcomed us as potential new Villagers. They had been here a few years. We spoke for some time, then I asked them, "What is the worst thing about The Villages?" They looked at each other, then asked us a return question before answering us. "Where are you from?' they asked. We told them Arizona, and they replied, "Ok, the worst thing about The Villagers is The New Yorkers" They were from Ohio.

I say this only because there was a post above discussing the crowded cities and how people act that have lived in the big cities for most of their lives. Having come from AZ, (we also spent much of our lives in CA) we also notice a definite difference here (vs "out west") in the overal politness of many folks here while visiting stores, and other activities.

What we have experienced in about a year and a half here...If you ask anyone about The Villages, most will have a nice conversation with you about how great it is. But don't get in their way when parking, shopping, at a restaurant, or getting into a game with their usual friends.

So that is my "Rant"....whether it is true or not that New Yorkers or "big city folks" are more pushy then us "South Westerners", it is definitely noticable here. One last thought, I don't think of Florida as presenting the "Southern Hospitality" ...perhaps because most folks in TV are not southerners?

[dillywho]

Everyone here is from somewhere else and regardless of where, there is absolutely no excuse for rude behavior....period. Those of us from the south and Midwest might be considered too laid back or red-neck. "Excuse me, thank you, please, hello, and welcome" are just good manners. At least, that is what I was taught.

[graciegirl]

Everyone here is from somewhere else and regardless of where, there is absolutely no excuse for rude behavior....period. Those of us from the south and Midwest might be considered too laid back or red-neck. "Excuse me, thank you, please, hello, and welcome" are just good manners. At least, that is what I was taught.



It's mighty pleasin' to my Ohio ears, Maam.

[2BNTV]

99% of the time i have patience but sometimes i need to get somewhere else so list is:
1. People who drive in the left lane on a highway or parkway with no intention of passing another driver, and who won't move over, forcing me to break the law by passing them on the right.
2. People in supermakets that get in the twelve items or less, and have 27 items in their cart, If their bill is $43 and they give the machine a $100, they can count up to 57.
3. People who watch each item being wrung up, and then can't find their credit card, and fish trying to find it.
4. People at the drugstore that tell their life story when other people are waiting in line. I waited twenty five minutes, for one person to pick-up their prescription.
5. People who walk around stores, etc, and think they are the only people in their world. Two ladies talking to each other, and blocking a exercise machine,
and were totally oblivious, to what was going on around them.
6. People who use the automatic check-out lanes at Sam's and have no idea on how to operate the system. On elderly couple took thirty minutes to check out. They asked for assistance at least four times. At least, when I joined the line, and they were probably there longer.

Whew, I don't feel better, but I got my bitchin out of the way, all, at once.

It seems like to 1%, is increasing. OH NO!!!!!!

[dillywho]

It's mighty pleasin' to my Ohio ears, Maam.

And, I thank you. :thumbup:

Gotta go catch 'The Millers'. Love that show!

[eweissenbach]

On this subject I would add the cashier in a small store who answers the phone while waiting on a live customer. Instead of saying "can you hold please, I'm waiting on a customer", they talk to the person and answer all their questions while I stand there waiting. I want to shout HEY, I CAME TO YOUR STORE TO GET MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND BUY SOMETHING AND YOU ARE GIVING PRIORITY SERVICE TO SOMEONE WHO DIDNT MAKE THE EFFORT TO COME TO THE STORE?

[elizabeth52]

I was checking out at Radio Shack when two separate people came up, and asked a question which required a bit of time to answer. This took the cashier away from my transaction while I just stood there. My peeve, people who think it's ok to butt in because they are more important.

I just bristle when this happens to me. I don't understand why some people think that it is okay to interrupt when someone else is being waited on. My pet peeve, also.

[69Ludwigs]

Tailgaters

[ilovetv]

I just bristle when this happens to me. I don't understand why some people think that it is okay to interrupt when someone else is being waited on. My pet peeve, also.

I agree and don't like those interruptions either.

But....as illustrated in various posts above, sometimes a customer has waited a long time while that customer is carrying on a detailed conversation with the store clerk, discussing everything personal and nothing business related. People who actually want to buy something shouldn't have to wait for a customer telling their forlorn life story, or gossip, to the store clerk/cashier.

[ilovetv]

On this subject I would add the cashier in a small store who answers the phone while waiting on a live customer. Instead of saying "can you hold please, I'm waiting on a customer", they talk to the person and answer all their questions while I stand there waiting. I want to shout HEY, I CAME TO YOUR STORE TO GET MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED AND BUY SOMETHING AND YOU ARE GIVING PRIORITY SERVICE TO SOMEONE WHO DIDNT MAKE THE EFFORT TO COME TO THE STORE?

Exactly. It's mind boggling to be standing there with your merchandise laid out at the cash register, with money or credit card in hand, after already waiting in line behind 6-8 people.....

....and the cashier seems to think it's more important to attend to "somebody" out there who's out kickin' tires by phone than to actually make a sale and collect money!

[jojoin]

Did you talk with the manager of the store? Because if these clerks are talkative with one person and there are long lines, they will continue the behavior until someone steps in.

Just saying

Really?? You would want to get the clerk in trouble because he/she is conversing with a customer instead of ignoring them.
This whole issue should go under the heading "don't sweat the small stuff"

Just saying.............

[senior citizen]

I so agree! What's the hurry? We're retired. When I'm waiting in line, regardless of the situation, I always remind myself that some people are lonely and this could be their only social contact for the day.

This is a great video to remind ourselves that we don't always know what's going on in another person's life:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151976487412989&set=vb.714777988&type=2&theater


I echo your sentiment of "What's the hurry? We're retired...etc."
EXCELLENT VIDEO by the way......

I also do not believe it's just a southern trait re neighborly chitchat; up here it happens , especially at this time of the year, or early spring, due to CABIN FEVER.......once people begin interacting with other humans again, all the news comes gushing out .......

Again, it is nothing new. I distinctly remember my mom and my grandmother back in the 1950's literally crossing the street to avoid Mrs. So and So, who would go on endlessly about her ailments, her grandchildren, her problems, etc.........some people just have no one else to talk to. Very sad. But truly, it only takes a few minutes out of a very long day to be kind and listen, if only for a moment.

We also have had neighbors who are more verbal than most; ironically married to very quiet spouses........when we see them walking down our street, most duck indoors to avoid a long long story.........but truthfully, it would be kinder if we all used our God given patience.

Patience is a virtue..........especially while standing in lines, waiting for service.

The video was an excellent reminder. Thanks for sharing.

[archerlc]

I'm sorry but I don't allow it. I have waited in line, at the store, and now it is my turn to be served. If the clerk reaches for the phone I immediately ask them what are you doing? I tell them they can answer the phone after they are done with me. To me it's the same as having another customer butt in and serve them instead of me. I disagree with previous posters who thinks it is OK to answer the phone. Let it ring.

[Cedwards38]

:1rotfl:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/allsteel29/newspaper2.jpg

[skyguy79]

Yea - right! Let the phone ring! Doesn't matter to the caller who has no idea that you're waiting in line and being held up by their call. I wonder if those who say "let the phone ring" would feel the same if it was them calling and waiting and waiting and waiting for an answer (or being on hold) while not knowing that they may be holding anyone else up?

So what's a cashier/clerk to do if he's required by the boss to do both or at least feels compelled to be equally fair to the caller... get in trouble with that boss for not answering the phone or have a complaint filed against them? Give the poor cashier a little patience and understanding, and if you must blame, blame the boss who has that cashier doing both at the same time instead of having another arrangement for having the phones answered whenever possible.

Is it that hard to put ourselves in that cashiers place? I don't think so!

[Russ_Boston]

I have a saying for this: "Less talkie - more workie!"

[Topspinmo]

The one's that get my blood boiling are the ones in the left lane that flies past you speeding then swerve over to right lane and slams on the brakes making right hand turn. Now I got slam on my brakes to keep from hitting them when all they had to do was pull in behind me and exit with NO vehicles Behind me. :rant-rave:This also happen on interstate. Speeding down the left lane then swerve across lanes of traffic cutting off me and other people to get to the exit cause they are so important they can't wait 15 seconds by merging to the right and exiting like normal. then there's the ones that don't stop at 4 way stops or pull out into the center of lanes before stopping :rant-rave: I guess they don't know that your not in line till you stop and that suppose to be behind the stop sign:rant-rave:

[eweissenbach]

Yea - right! Let the phone ring! Doesn't matter to the caller who has no idea that you're waiting in line and being held up by their call. I wonder if those who say "let the phone ring" would feel the same if it was them calling and waiting and waiting and waiting for an answer (or being on hold) while not knowing that they may be holding anyone else up?

So what's a cashier/clerk to do if he's required by the boss to do both or at least feels compelled to be equally fair to the caller... get in trouble with that boss for not answering the phone or have a complaint filed against them? Give the poor cashier a little patience and understanding, and if you must blame, blame the boss who has that cashier doing both at the same time instead of having another arrangement for having the phones answered whenever possible.

Is it that hard to put ourselves in that cashiers place? I don't think so!

IMO the cashier should answer the phone and say "please hold as I am waiting on a customer". If the person chooses to hang up that is on them. The key here is that the live customer is there to buy, why should he/she be made to wait behind someone who is probably price shopping?

[CFrance]

IMO the cashier should answer the phone and say "please hold as I am waiting on a customer". If the person chooses to hang up that is on them. The key here is that the live customer is there to buy, why should he/she be made to wait behind someone who is probably price shopping?

I agree. I am asked to hold lots of times. I don't mind. It lets you know they are busy with someone already. Another thing is, whenever possible they shouldn't even be transferring a call to a cashier. Whoever answers the phone should take care of it or get a number to call back.

[Shimpy]

"....whether it is true or not that New Yorkers or "big city folks" are more pushy then us "South Westerners", it is definitely noticable here.

Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Dallas, etc. are all big cities but you would never know it from the politeness of the people that come from there compared to the northeast. I don't know why that is.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I, too, have bristled over this and also people not making choice before getting to order taker at Panera, etc. I try to take a deep breath and tell myself I'm retired now and a few extra minutes are not going to matter to me.

My son works for Panera as a computer programmer. He is currently developing a mobile web site that will allow you to place your order before you get into the store or while you are waiting in line. Unfortunately, the people who wait until they get to the clerk before they decide what they want probably won't use the site.

The cashiers that chat with everyone when there is a long line are also a pet peeve of mine as well. There is one in particular in a store that I shop in quite frequently and this girl is always in the express line. People in that lane usually just want a few things and want to get in and she is the slowest cashier I've ever seen. She'll also often initiate conversations with customers about the product they are buying. "Oh, I've never had that before. Is it really good?" "It's not too sweet is it?" "I might try some of that sometime."

I'm really trying to have more patience and not get upset over these things so I really just try to calm myself down and let it go.

Like someone said, I also think that it is a regional thing. People from New England, especially the cities, are not so outgoing. It's not that they're not friendly, they just are quite a bit more reserved.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I so agree! What's the hurry? We're retired. When I'm waiting in line, regardless of the situation, I always remind myself that some people are lonely and this could be their only social contact for the day.

This is a great video to remind ourselves that we don't always know what's going on in another person's life:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151976487412989&set=vb.714777988&type=2&theater

It was a great video, but I'm sorry. I am so tired of hearing people say that because we're retired we have no place to go. I have plenty of places to go. I belong to several clubs and like to get to them on time. I have doctors appointments. My wife works and sometimes I drop her off and pick her up. I also do volunteer work and it is important that I get there on time. A lot of people have golf tee times, tennis times and times for bocce tournaments and who knows what else.
Yes, I agree we should give ourselves plenty of time to get to our destinations but sometimes things happen that are beyond our control and we get running late.
Like I said, we might be retired, but we're not dead. Many of us find that we are
busier in our retired life than we were when we were working.
Like I said in a previous post, I am trying very hard to become more patient and see things from other people's view. But please don't say "What the hurry? You're retired. You have no place to go."
That's one of my pet peeves.

[Cedwards38]

Sounds like the general theme of response here is, fast or slow, talkative or not, in a hurry or not in a hurry, let's just notice what's going on around us and try to be considerate of other people.

[CFrance]

Sounds like the general theme of response here is, fast or slow, talkative or not, in a hurry or not in a hurry, let's just notice what's going on around us and try to be considerate of other people.
Sounds like a good idea. My husband's motto: Keep the traffic flowing.

[Judith Ann]

One of the joys of growing older, to me, is not to be in a hurry. I love seeing people being friendly with each other. There is much too much unkindness in the world. I even enjoy going to Publix when it is crowded. I love smiling at people and just being able to relax and enjoy my wonderful life. NONE of these little irritations bother me.

[RItaly]

You hit the nail on the head. This is one of my pet peeves. :rant-rave:

And, along with being prepared to place an order before arriving at the clerk, we should remember the purchases at Lowes, Target, Publix etc are not free. Anticipate paying for it by at least having credit card/check book out and ready, not start digging for it when apparently surprised by the fact that the stuff is not free.. Ideally the check would be completed save the amount.

Don't get me wrong, this is a relatively small irritant compared with driving in the roundabouts. I don't think I can use the word "moron" on this forum, so I won't.

On a separate post, I'll offer my view of oblivious pedestrians who saunter out in traffic with zero regard to the on coming traffic. But, that's another story.

All in, we love living in The Villages.