Did he really say that to me?

The BBQ Pit
1

As some of you may know, I, at one point, used to be a large bohemoth. Now, however, thanks to the wonders of Weight Watchers, self-discipline and my wonderful wife’s co-operation, I have shed about 30 pounds over the last two and a half months and am now only a moderately large bohemoth.

As a result of this, my belt no longer fits me. So, I went looking for one. I found that I’m just a bit too big for a size 42. A 44 would be perfect, however. Unfortunately, many of the stores here in lower Manhattan, it seems, do not carry belts larger than 42. I suppose I could wait another few weeks, until I fit a 42, but I’d rather get a new belt now.

Anyway, I walked into one store today and began looking at the belts on display. I was looking for a 44, but could not find one. Perhaps sensing my problem, the clerk said “Largest size we have is 42.”

“Oh, well,” I replied, “I’m just a bit too big for a 42.”

“No s**t.” he said.

I couldn’t believe he said that too me. Of course, he has no way of knowing that I’ve been working hard to take off weight and that he utterly crushed my ego and pride at the accomplishment with his remark (OK, maybe not crushed, but mildly dented). But even so? I was starting to take some pride in my new appearance, but maybe I don’t look as slim as I thought I did.

I didn’t say anything to the “gentleman,” but simply walked out of the store and left. However, I find myself (who is normally not bothered by insults) upset at this? Or am I over-reacting?

Zev Steinhardt

2

I don’t think you were over-reacting. That sales clerk was inexcusably rude. If I were you, I would head back to that place and talk to the manager, explaining why that place did not receive your business yesterday, and might not receive your business in the future.

3

And now I can’t believe that I messed up that statement. Make that "I couldn’t believe he said that to me… :rolleyes:

Zev Steinhardt

4

I, too, would have thought the same thing. Then I would have posed the question to the asshole.

Congrats on your weight loss, zev, by the way.

5

Yikes! Do us a favor, Zev, and let us know where you went so we can avoid it in the future.

Today’s Rude Man?

And I didn’t notice and bhemothity when last we met, so keep it up!

-Ace

6

Don’t let one idiot bring you down, ZEV. Losing a significant amount of weight is a huge (ha!) accomplishment.

If it were me, that behavior like that would have resulted in a letter to the store, politely explaining that I was insulted by a salesperson (and how and when), how it made me feel, and the regretful notification that I won’t be shopping there anymore. Not an angry note, but rather an “I think you should know what’s going on” note, that identified the salesperson by name.

On the other hand, that obviously does also prolong the incident and the hurt feelings, at least for as long as it takes to write and mail the letter. It might be better to just let it go. I guess that would depend on the size of the dent in the ego.

But don’t let it get you down. Remember that a person who would treat a customer so thoughtlessly is not a person whose opinion should matter to you anyway. His negativity reflects his own personal damage; there’s no reason you accept it and make it yours.

7

Ack! That’s intolerable.

If the guy wants to think that kind of thing, well, I guess we can’t stop him.

But to be an employee who’s supposed to provide customer service and actually say it?

I would have been speechless.

8

Congrats on the weight loss! My husband just lost 25 lbs. and he looks (and feels) maaaaahvelous! So don’t let that twerp getchya down! The people who count (and those are the ones who see you nekkid) know how great you look and how hard you’ve worked. WooHOO!

9

That guy won’t be there very long. If those crass works tripped off of his tongue so easily (and they obviously did) then he’ll do it again, and again…until finally enough will be enough, and he’ll get canned.

It might be a good idea for you to drop a tasteful little note (like what Jodi described) so that the store will be on notice that this guy is capable of such behavior. So, when he REALLY pisses off someone later on, he can’t just blow it off with, “Well, that guy was making it up” or “That guy was being hyper-sensitive.” Your note will establish that it wasn’t the first time he’d done something like that.

That guy is better off working in a warehouse, or somewhere where he doesn’t have to deal with the public. Obviously he was raised by wolves, and is not capable of behaving properly out in society.

Oh, and congratulations on the weight loss! And, isn’t it amazing how no matter how well you’ve done (and you have done fabulously) that there will always be some jerk to treat you as if it means nothing? Grrr…

10

Maybe he meant that he was surprised by the look of you that you don’t fit into a 42?

Maybe it was a “No s**t?”

Maybe he’s a not very nice person.

Don’t let him get you down :slight_smile:

11

Why is it we only think of the zingers after we leave?

You could have said, “I lost the weight, but you’ll always be an asshole,” or something equally stinging.

12

If that had happened to me, I’d be crafting one of my famous “Your customer service rocks/sucks, and here’s why” letters. No excuse for that comment.

If I’d been thinking quickly, I’d have said something like, “What did you just say to me?” Make him repeat the idiotic remark. Then ask to see the manager right there and then.

13

Or do what I like doing. When a salesperson has pissed me off in a department store, I will go back to the store to shop, making sure the offensive salesperson is there. I will then make it a point (and loudly too) to state that I do not want that salesperson to assist me because he/she is extremely rude to customers. Makes me feel better anyway. Course, I also like to purchase something immediately after being pissed off and make a point to not allow the asshole to get the sale.

Zev congrats on the weight loss. WOOHOO YOU!

14

Quite the double-whammy on his part–use of profanity and insulting a customer. If’n I was you, I’d a letter to the store. There is absolutely no excuse. I hope he gets fired.

And congratulations on your weight loss.

15

This made me smile since I can’t imagine that retort tripping off ZEV’s lips. Mind you, I haven’t had the priviledge of meeting ZEV, and I’m not sayin’ it ain’t worth sayin’, but it’s hard to see him saying it.

:slight_smile:

16

ARGH! I hate people like that.

If he was a good salesman (and a general good person all the way around) he should have suggested some alternatives. My personal favourite is suspenders. I do love a man in suspenders. MMM MMM

However, seeing how he was an asshole he would have probably suggested a rope or something equally crass. Talk to his manager and get his ass fired, pronto.

17

I’m sorry you had to go through that Zev. That guy is just an insensitive jerk and as fast as that comment rolled of his idiotic tongue is as fast as it should go in your ear and out the other.

Congrats on the weight loss and keep up the good work.

18

Zev, I wish you were in my town by so you could let me know where this place is and describe the punk who said this to you.

I promise I would not swing first, but I’m fairly good at getting others to swing on me first. Thats fair isn’t it? In fact I notice you are in NY. I may be there next summer, maybe before my trip you can scout the store and see if the guy is still working there? Hell, by then you may be in good enough shape to participate? A little TKD is not only a great muscle building and cardio tool, it can also make these encounters fun (well, fun for the put upon person anyhow).

Anf congrats on the 30lb victory. What method are you using? Atkins, sugar busters, other?

19

Congratulations on the weight loss, keep up the good work!

And please make sure you share this experience with at least 30 other potential customers. A little word of mouth goes a long, long way.

20

First – Congratulations on your weight loss, Zev. I hope it continues and you reach your goal weight. We’re brothers in fighting the Battle of the Bulge, you and I.

Second – The salesgeek was tactless. Some things are obvious, such as the fact that you are a large man and might not be able to wear a size 42. But that does not excuse stating it in such a ham-fisted (sorry…treyf-fisted) manner.

I once read a story about a man who had enormous feet, and most shoe store clerks would gasp and holler “Twelve Triple-E!!” when they measured his dogs. But the salesman he’ll always remember measured his feet, murmured, “Ah yes, double six,” and won a customer for life.

Third – I don’t think you’re wrong to be mildly upset over it. It was an insult, by someone who had no grudge against you. You hadn’t done anything to hurt him, and in fact, you may have benefitted him had he been able to work with you a little. This was an unwarranted slap in the face, albeit rather small in the grand scheme of things.

You hereby have my permission to feel sorta bad about it, but you are not allowed to let it get under your skin and ruin your whole day.

If it helps, just keep in mind that an insult from such a person is like a mosquito bite – annoying, but it will only continue to bother you if you scratch at it.