No Really, What Can I Do For You?

What is it about people who interact with someone whose job is to help them? What is it that makes it ok ,under these circumstances, to treat said persons like they are either stupid or subservient? I've never actually gotten my blood pressure tested, but after a day on the job, I certain it is quite high after "serving" my fellow citizens.

I'm convinced that in ordinary situations at home or spending time with friends, these same people are probably fairly "normal." But when you put them in situations where a paid employee is available to help them, they turn into individuals with no manners and a couple of personalities. Regardless of the fact that some of these persons may indeed actually have a couple personalities. Recall the person who called wanting to cancel a certain order she had placed. A few days later, her other personality called back demanding to know why she had not received said order yet. I'm afraid this sort of thing happens a lot more than I would care to remember at my place of work. And, no, I do not work on a mental ward....though sometimes I wish I did. At least the patients would be medicated.

I have been talked down to and insulted in just about every way imaginable. I have been chased down a hall, shouted at (within inches of my face....no, the breath was not good), had someone pound on my desk, accused of being illiterate (I did not go to 5 years of higher ed to be called that), and been scratched and kicked. Only the last item was done by a child.

I will never understand why it is ok to mistreat someone who is helping you. Whether it is a waitress, check-out girl, nurse, mechanic, receptionist, doorman, front desk clerk, room service or anyone else who fits this description. Let me just remind people who act like jerks towards these kinds of people: one day the role is going to be reversed....and it is really going to suck for you when you find yourself in the situation that seems awfully familiar: but from the business end of the barrel of that particular gun. Karma will always be a unpleasant foe.