What Has Happened to Common Courtesy?
The other day I was at Staples. There was only one cashier open. She was very friendly, and greeted everyone with a smile a “Hello, how are you today.”
When the lady in front of me stepped up to the cashier, another cashier took my stuff to help me. Before I finished checking out, the first cashier was done, and she looked over at the cashier that was helping me …
She sort of smiled and said …
“What am I, invisible?” as she tapped her face and arms.
“Can people not hear me?” ….
And then she shook her head, and said “How does someone go through an entire transaction without uttering one word, and without acknowledging that I even exist?”
And before you ask – No, the customer was not on a cell phone. Cell phones are probably for another post – but seriously, if you’re talking on your cell phone while conducting business, what are you telling the person that is front of you? Maybe that their not really that important?
This whole interaction made me wonder what has happened to common courtesy.
I felt for this young sales clerk. She was being so friendly and upbeat. She did not deserve to be treated like she was “nothing” – nor does anyone else! We are all very unique special people and have so much to offer this world and others.
I often hear people complain about how “unfriendly” the world is. Could this be because they themselves no longer practice being friendly?
I very seldom come across rude cashiers, waitresses, pizza deliverer’s bank tellers etc ….
WHY?
Because I treat them as I like to be treated.
Try practicing the following common courtesies and see how much happier and brighter your world will become ….
1. Greet everyone with a smile
2. Treat everyone with respect
3. Make eye contact with them
4. Ask them how they are
5. Find something to compliment them about
6. Always say “Thank You”
7. Upon departing tell them to “Have a Great Day!”
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Dear Cindy,
Thank you for your column entitled “What Has Happened to Common Courtesy?”
I’m in retail sales and for the most part, my customers are quite civil. I take genuine interest in their needs and am quite successful.
When I’m in the checkout line, I try to do what you suggest and it really enriches the lives of those people who are taking care of me. It’s amazing how a little courtesy can work wonders for everyone.
Positively,
Darryl Gumm