Today I feel like talking about something I'm sure we all know in some way or another, something we've all hated at one point, and something that could surely serve purpose in the character-building department: The service industry.
I don't get it. How can people be blatantly rude to those that are essentially their servants? I've worked in restaurants for the past three years and I must say, I've had my share of people-hating because of how unpleasant they can be. It was a pretty big share, too. Even those of you who work as cashiers, customer service reps, teachers, anything involving people-to-people interaction know what I'm talking about. You've undoubtedly encountered the cream of the crop when it comes to rudeness.
Don't get me wrong, I actually really love people. It's almost therapeutic for me to have a conversation with a friendly stranger. Those genuinely considerate and appreciative people are the ones that make our jobs worthwhile...however, it doesn't make our jobs any easier.
Why do you think some people are so mean to their servers, whether they be cashiers or teachers or whoever performs any kind of service for them? Why wouldn't they act grateful for having the authority to order someone around? That's just it: Authority. They think that because they're paying for your services, they have the right, for an hour or even a second, to completely forget about manners and cordiality and anything else pertaining to niceness. Which is fine as long as you, the servant, realize that it's not you that they're really expressing anger towards.
When someone is being ridiculously vile towards you while you're in servant mode, my experience has taught me that you need to just smile and nod. You've done nothing to deserve this condescending treatment, correct? Well, then they're acting out on their own frustrations and sadness through someone completely outside of the situation, who happens to be you. Yes, it's discouraging. Yes, I've wanted to hit some people that have made my nights a living Hell. But at the end of the shift, the situation is either forgotten about or is made into a great story to tell later on.
So, when you come across someone who is a complete ass to you, just remember to not take it personally. Maybe it's easier said than done for most people...I know it took me a couple of years in the restaurant industry to learn that. And I still get pretty angry when I have a table that makes my night way more difficult than it should be. Just keep in mind that, if they're acting this way towards a complete stranger who is performing a service for them, their lives must really suck in some ways. Smile back at their scowls, take a deep breath, and resume your positive lifestyle. In that way alone, you've already won.
And don't forget to tip your servers 20%.
Thank you, come again;
Shannon
