Etiquette
I think Toronto has an etiquette problem.
For instance, I was taking the subway yesterday and it was totally crowded. There was a girl who had her FEET on the seat beside her, even though lots of passengers were standing up. I said, "Excuse me" and sat down where her feet were. She looked like she felt a little guilty.
One of my friends was 8 months pregnant and another woman who was 9 months pregnant got up to offer her a seat. She said, "If these people see one pregnant woman offering another pregnant woman a seat, maybe SOMEBODY will get up for us."
Now I know, some people have hidden health problems and really need the seat, but surely there are a few people who could stand up.
The other day a lady with a big smile was walking by and I said, "Excuse me, I know you don't know me but...." She walked away as quickly as she could. I was at the stoplight at the same time as her and said, "I wasn't going to ask you for money. I was just going to ask you an etiquette question," (I was). Obviously, she was the wrong person to ask!!!
A couple of days ago, I went into a Body Shop around Yonge and Eglinton with Julia and when I said, "I forgot how difficult it was to take a toddler to a place like this," the customer service lady didn't say anything except, "Oh no, watch out," or something along those lines. Julia was picking stuff up and putting it back, but she didn't break anything (and I know the 'you break it, you buy it' rule). I know my toddler and I know she's generally inquisitive, but gentle.
Worse, when I was leaving she rushed over to where Julia had been playing with some bottles (just taking the lids off) and started tidying up (and she made a BIG deal of it). She could have waited until we'd left the store to tidy up. She just about shoo'd us out then.
The whole time we were there it seemed like she was panicked that I had brought a toddler in and she wanted me out of her store asap (even though I DID actually buy something). I almost said to her, "You're not a kid person, are you?" because of the way she was acting.
I told the local crossing guard about my experience and she said, "This is a family friendly neighbourhood. Lots of families go into these places, so if they're going to worry about their stock they should put it out of reach. Customer service is customer service. They're a good company. You should write to them about this lady and maybe they'll give you coupons." Wish me luck! I hope I can find time.
For instance, I was taking the subway yesterday and it was totally crowded. There was a girl who had her FEET on the seat beside her, even though lots of passengers were standing up. I said, "Excuse me" and sat down where her feet were. She looked like she felt a little guilty.
One of my friends was 8 months pregnant and another woman who was 9 months pregnant got up to offer her a seat. She said, "If these people see one pregnant woman offering another pregnant woman a seat, maybe SOMEBODY will get up for us."
Now I know, some people have hidden health problems and really need the seat, but surely there are a few people who could stand up.
The other day a lady with a big smile was walking by and I said, "Excuse me, I know you don't know me but...." She walked away as quickly as she could. I was at the stoplight at the same time as her and said, "I wasn't going to ask you for money. I was just going to ask you an etiquette question," (I was). Obviously, she was the wrong person to ask!!!
A couple of days ago, I went into a Body Shop around Yonge and Eglinton with Julia and when I said, "I forgot how difficult it was to take a toddler to a place like this," the customer service lady didn't say anything except, "Oh no, watch out," or something along those lines. Julia was picking stuff up and putting it back, but she didn't break anything (and I know the 'you break it, you buy it' rule). I know my toddler and I know she's generally inquisitive, but gentle.
Worse, when I was leaving she rushed over to where Julia had been playing with some bottles (just taking the lids off) and started tidying up (and she made a BIG deal of it). She could have waited until we'd left the store to tidy up. She just about shoo'd us out then.
The whole time we were there it seemed like she was panicked that I had brought a toddler in and she wanted me out of her store asap (even though I DID actually buy something). I almost said to her, "You're not a kid person, are you?" because of the way she was acting.
I told the local crossing guard about my experience and she said, "This is a family friendly neighbourhood. Lots of families go into these places, so if they're going to worry about their stock they should put it out of reach. Customer service is customer service. They're a good company. You should write to them about this lady and maybe they'll give you coupons." Wish me luck! I hope I can find time.