Serve Me With Some Banter?
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To one is serenity
To another is banter
Interpret each as life plays you
To each their ownBanter - that play of exchange, especially when you visit a store. Do you like to exchange banter? Or would you rather like to be served and just be on your way? I mean, different strokes for different people, right?
But, it's nice to get some perspectives on what people feel about this. And I wanted to share some of my experiences and some of the things that other people have shared with me. So, while I was thinking about this, based on what other people have told me, I decided to illustrate two scenarios- exchanges between a cashier and a customer…
Scenario 1
Cashier: Hi
Customer: Hello
Cashier rings in items
Cashier: That would be $10
Customer: Debit, please
Cashier: Ready whenever you are
Customer pays
Cashier: Thank you
Customer: You're welcome
Scenario 2
Cashier: Hi
Customer: Hello
Cashier: How are you today?
Customer: I'm well and yourself?
Cashier: I'm well thanks for asking
Cashier rings in items
Cashier: That would be $10
Customer: Debit, please
Cashier: Ready whenever you are
Customer pays…
Cashier: Thank you. Do have a nice day. The weather seems nicer today. Hopefully, it stays that way. Oh, we've had our share of the snow this winter. Don't you think?
Customer: Oh yes absolutely. The other day, my snow blower, which I recently purchased by the way, just suddenly stopped working. That has made this winter a bit more challenging for me. Anyways, as you say, we hope to have some nicer days ahead.
Cashier: I'm counting on it, trust me. You have a nice day.
Customer: Oh I plan to. Thank you. Bye
Cashier: Bye
Out of these two scenarios, which one resonates with you? Which one would you rather be a part of?
There was a time, quite a while ago, I went into a big retail establishment. Now, this store had a policy of cashiers would always pack customers’ groceries in bags. However, the cashier that attended to me didn’t pack my grocery bag. He just left everything on the counter. After I made my payment, I had to pack my grocery myself. Not that I mind doing so, but there was just this “aloofness” in the air. I've always believed you can actually feel "energy". There was just something about that atmosphere that felt unfriendly. Anyway, another time that I went into that establishment, I avoided that cashier. I remember very well that there were queues in other cashiers' booths, but I decided I didn't mind waiting. I just avoided that cashier.
There's this saying that people would not necessarily remember what you say to them, but they will remember more how you made them feel. It was so surprising to me that I remembered that cashier and I avoided him. I made sure I went to another person.
Now, I know that there are different days. Some days you don't feel like talking; you just want to be by yourself. Some days you may be feeling chatty. But, I think generally it doesn't hurt to just be a bit friendly, don't you think?
Worry can weigh a person down, but an encouraging word cheers a person up. 'Cornish’s Cheer' hopes to be an encouragement to people who are under pressure, feel lonely, discouraged, or rejected. I hope these writings impart cheer, and hope and help you flourish with patience, love, and sincerity. Be encouraged and cheered. Also, practice 'speaking' positive affirmations, which can be a powerful tool to help boost confidence.
Nothing in this blog is intended to serve as life, career, health, or financial advice. Do your own research.