Is it really wrong to smack old people?
When I was leaving work a little earlier I waited in line for a particular cashier so she could try my new lotion. Just as she squirted a blob in her hand an old man with a sour face walked up. Heather stood there in indecision with her hands smeared with lotion and I just grabbed the scanner and scanned the two small items he had. It came up to $10.08 and he gave me a 20. I wasn't paying attention and entered the wrong amount into the register so I was going to have to count the change back manually. I can do that with ease and regularly do because that's how I was taught. But the old man immediately started telling me how much to give him back, throwing out numbers and screwing me up. So I dropped all the change back into the drawer and told the man lightly (yeah, it was forced) "I got it." When I started again he began throwing out numbers again. I stopped again and looked at him. He forcefully told me that he needed 2 pennies, 2 dimes and 2 quarters. So I pulled those out plus the $9, handed them to him and apologized for the mix-up. (The whole mishap had added about 30 seconds to the transaction.) In a very superior tone he said, "I'm sorry, but if you're going to run a register you need to know how to count back change." And turned to walk away. I said "You're absolutely right and I apologize again for my error. Now, would you like the correct change back or what you insisted I give you?" (Yeah, not my best customer service - but my tone was very pleasant! - but by then I didn't give a shit.) He stopped and turned to look at me and I said, "I owe you another 20 cents." He just glared at me for a second and then turned and stomped out the door.
I have officially hit senior citizen level according to some places but I hope to god I never hit the crotchety old fart stage any time soon. Or ever.
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