[Gretch298]

I have lived in the Villages for 3 months now, what a wonderful place. I found a part time job that was a real eye opener. I have been treated like I have personally ruined your day because the store is out of your sale item. I smile and say I am sorry. I truely am sorry believe it or not. Last week when leaving my job I came out to a nasty dent in the side of my car. No one bothered to come in to the store to "look" for the owner of the car they hit. I hope they slept well that night, I didn't. I am your neighbor who smiles and says hello so when the lawn people come to do your lawn why do you allow them to park all over my lawn and block me in my driveway? I love it here and want to try hard to learn the ways but I think I am missing something? Any ideas?

[missypie]

Please keep being who you are, nice. I have a retail business and sometimes people are just not nice. Maybe they were raised in that environment and have lived that way for many years and that is just the way it is for them. Remember, it is not directed specifically at you. It is their makeup of their being. They are rough around the edges to their spouse, children, friends etc...

Keep smiling, enjoying life, The Villages, and your soul. I promise, YOU WILL sleep the best at night.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Gretch298

I have lived in the Villages for 3 months now, what a wonderful place. I found a part time job that was a real eye opener. I have been treated like I have personally ruined your day because the store is out of your sale item. I smile and say I am sorry. I truely am sorry believe it or not. Last week when leaving my job I came out to a nasty dent in the side of my car. No one bothered to come in to the store to "look" for the owner of the car they hit. I hope they slept well that night, I didn't. I am your neighbor who smiles and says hello so when the lawn people come to do your lawn why do you allow them to park all over my lawn and block me in my driveway? I love it here and want to try hard to learn the ways but I think I am missing something? Any ideas?

None of this is new. When you work in retail it is part of what you are paid to do. Be nice to people who aren't nice to you. If lawn people are blocking you, ask them to move. Not leaving information about damaging your car was cowardly and wrong, but sadly it has happened to people for years.

Nothing new.

[Pturner]

Gretch298,

Please don't let a few bad apples ruin it here for you. Continue to be a good apple like most of the folks here. 'Tis the crowded, winter, more irritable season. This too shall pass.

Sending you a big hug.

[villagerjack]

Sounds like normal every day "stuff" not unique to The Villages. My cars have been dented many times in several states. Around here space particularly in the villas is at a premium. If someome is in your way....just ask them to move.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The person who banged into your fender - - - - they must have relatives in central OH. Same thing happened to a car of mine a number of years back in a retail store's parking lot. It's just the way some people are, I reckon. Personally, like you, I can't relate to it either!!

Welcome to retail - where it seems like some days, no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to please anybody. Don't worry - brighter days will be on your horizon!

The upside to it all? You're living in TV! There are many other worse places to be!!

Bill

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

The person who banged into your fender - - - - they must have relatives in central OH. Same thing happened to a car of mine a number of years back in a retail store's parking lot. It's just the way some people are, I reckon. Personally, like you, I can't relate to it either!!

Welcome to retail - where it seems like some days, no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to please anybody. Don't worry - brighter days will be on your horizon!

The upside to it all? You're living in TV! There are many other worse places to be!!

Bill

that is so true. You could have your brand-new car dented, scraped, and dinged in Michigan or Pennsylvania (I did, I did, and I did), and you AREN'T in the Villages enjoying the sun and the pickleball courts and the classes, and, and, and...

I'm sorry people are nasty to you in the store. Try not to be too upset. Listen to PTurner. She's got it right.

[Gerald]

And here I thought a car was a thing to move you from point A to B. Not something to worry about for a little dent. Things happen, I am sure that the person who accidently hit yor car didn't do it on purpose.
People everywere are some what up tight lately because of money. Then the fact that in the villages most people are a little older just tired. Forgetting that there are always two sides to things. we don't know what life and stress others are having. If you want to be in a place where you need to deal with the public then you have to accept that not everyone is perfect. A smile and sorry goes a long way for the majority. For some it just does not help. You just think about what they are missing. You can deside to be happy or sad. Let the little things go and amazing how the world looks better.

[redwitch]

No question there are some rude and inconsiderate people here. However, there are also some of the nicest, kindest, friendliest people that live here. Working retail you're going to find some of the worst. Just the nature of the beast. Driving around TV in a golf cart, going to the squares and talking to others, participating in your favorite activities gives you a chance to find some of the best. Also the nature of the TV beast. TV is NOT perfect (sorry Gracie) but it is hard to find anything much better.

My daughter worked retail and had more than her share of mean people. My advice to her was to have her imagine the mean people were in pain (either physically or mentally) and forgive them their bad behavior. Rather than become frustrated or take it personally, she began being extra nice and going the extra mile for them. Amazingly, several of these mean people went out of their way to tell her manager that she had made a very difficult day so much better because of simple acts of kindness.

[gomsiepop]

Being positive is contagious. Just keep doing what you're doing and you will only attract people like yourself. Good for you. Tell me what establishment you work in I want to come and say hi.

[TommyT]

Bet I know who would damage property, feel it doesn't matter and then leave the scene !!!!

[NotGolfer]

To Gerald...yes cars are to get us from one place to another BUT that doesn't excuse bumping them then leaving. If it didn't happen in a parking lot that would constitute leaving a scene of an accident and would constitute a fine/ticket from the police. It doesn't matter how hard of a day or life the person is having that did this. Just is wrong!!! I would have to ask you, Gerald, what planet do you live on?? How would you feel if it happened to you???

As for rude folks in retail (and in LIFE)...yes it happens. I used to work retail and found that "if" you 'kill them with kindness' it works best. Sometimes it will make them stop and see that they look like jerks...if not then you're the one who took the higher road. The jerks will stand out to look to others for what they are. Remember back in school the "Golden Rule"? Do onto others as you wish them to do onto you! I also like another analogy---what goes around, comes around....and this one can work both ways. Don't get discouraged...there are LOTS of good people out there as well.

[Happinow]

I think the service industry is a difficult one to work in. People come in with an attitude and leave with a bigger one. I worked it for more years than I can count. Just remember it's not you they are mad at. It's a circumstance they can't control so they vent, and you are the one they vent to. This happens everywhere and like others have said, at least you get to leave work, go home to a wonderful home and enjoy all that life has to offer in a beautiful place. Try to keep a good attitude and kill 'em with kindness. At least you'll know you did your job the best you could.

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

No question there are some rude and inconsiderate people here. However, there are also some of the nicest, kindest, friendliest people that live here. Working retail you're going to find some of the worst. Just the nature of the beast. Driving around TV in a golf cart, going to the squares and talking to others, participating in your favorite activities gives you a chance to find some of the best. Also the nature of the TV beast. TV is NOT perfect (sorry Gracie) but it is hard to find anything much better.

My daughter worked retail and had more than her share of mean people. My advice to her was to have her imagine the mean people were in pain (either physically or mentally) and forgive them their bad behavior. Rather than become frustrated or take it personally, she began being extra nice and going the extra mile for them. Amazingly, several of these mean people went out of their way to tell her manager that she had made a very difficult day so much better because of simple acts of kindness.

That's why I LIKE YOU Red, you are indeed a sage.

Dear original poster: I'd like to add that grace under pressure is worth the practice it takes. Your bonus is that each time you accomplish it, you become more beautiful.
Showing by example is a profound gift to the world... more than you can ever imagine. Don't fret if it appears to be wasted on some... that is not for your concern or your focus to be spent on.
Just keep up the "good work".... and Thank You for your efforts!
(hope your car can look beautiful again soon!)

[Gretch298]

Thanks to everyone and I shall remain in smile mode no matter what or who tries to get me down. Life is too short my friends to waste on the little things. I am lucky in so many ways.... As far as the dent in the car well it shall remain there to remind me that no matter who or what puts dents in my life I can smile and say "have a wonderful day" because I am on the other side of the grass this morning and for that I am thankful....