# I hate hate HATE the lady who works at my local drug store **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 12, 2003, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273 "2003-06-12T03:34:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![7\_up\_yours](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/919ad9/32.png) [@7\_up\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7_up_yours)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/1 "2003-06-12T03:34:30Z")
I live in a quiet suburban town and there’s this drug store a few blocks from my house my family and I visit quite often. There’s this lady who works there who treats her customers badly. She is rude to everyone, but especially the younger customers. I don’t mean the stereotypical “Everybody is out to get teenagers” young customers, but even college students who are in their early twenties. I don’t know what her problem is, but everytime I go in there, I place my products there dutifully. I am _not_ like the elderly who place the shopping baskets onto the counter and expect the cashiers to unload them. I always have my wallet ready for paymet. I am _not_ like the middle aged me who have to scrounge around their pockets to find their last dollar. I am generally happy and smile at everyone, and sometimes, when I’m not in a hurry, I let one or two of the elderly go ahead of me. I’ll tell you what she does that makes her such a bitch those. At this drug store, they have created a system where we sign up for those pesky cards in order to get their on sale items to be on sale. I mean, I’m young and everything, but there’s no age limit on their appliciation and if there was, then it’d be age discrimination because who says you have to be a certain age to get items for a cheaper price? Anyway, whenever she rings the things up, I make it a point to hand her the card. It is in plain view and I **know** she can see it. Most of the time (I would say 95%) she ignores it and continues to ring it one. The first few times she did this, I was thinking “Oh okay, I guess she wants to scan the card after she rings the things up.” Well, after my items have been rung up, she proceeds to ignore my hand in mid air with the card and tells me my total. I have to practically shove the card into her face before she says “I’m sorry, I can’t scan the card after the items have been rung up.” That is totally bullshit because other cashiers have done it without problems. The first few times, I wasn’t losing cash because of it, because I was hoping to collect their reward points, but after a while, it has come to a point where some items I purchase would not be discounted unless she swipes my card. I have had to go to the point of telling her that I offered my card from the beginning and that she ignored it and therefore it is her fault. Then I tell her if she can’t swipe it after she’s scanned the items, then she should cancel the transaction and start over with the card swiped from the beginning. When I suggest thing, she hastily swipes the card (ha, told you she was lying) and gives me the total. She also gives me dirty looks when she’s not on cash and is just stocking items. When she’s on cash, if she has change to give back to me, she practically throws the change at me. There have been a couple of times where she’s done that and the change goes flying throughout the store. When she tells me my total, I get the dirty looks from her and the nasal, snotty, “I’m better than you” tone. And it’s not just me, oh no. My friends have been in there several times with the same results. My mother has been in there with more or less the same result. (She gets less crap because she looks older) It’s gotten to the point where I tend to avoid her and go to other cashiers (it’s only reasonable) and loathe the days when only one cash register is open and it’s hers. My friends have suggested that I report her to the manager. I should get her fired if it’s the last thing I do. The problem is, though, the last time I was forced to her register, I noticed on her nametag, it said “Store Manager”. So much for getting her fired by reporting the manager. And, I also realize that if I hate it there so much, I should stop going to that store and quit supporting that family, but the problem is, there aren’t many drug stores in my area and our family mostly depends on that one. It’s either the drug store with the snotty lady with cheaper prices, or the nice people in corner store with jacked up prices. Ugggggh. I figure this lady’s going through menopause and is deeply envious of the young ones who go into the store and therefore must target all of them and make them rant about her in a BBQ pit. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/2 "2003-06-12T03:42:37Z")
Maybe she has a thorn in her paw? Actually, she just sounds like a bitter bitch. Lots of those in this world we live in. Get used to it. Sorry to bear such bad news… Really, sometimes you can’t do a damn thing about someone else’s shit. But, do stand up for yourself when you need to. Don’t get walked on by ass holes. ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/3 "2003-06-12T03:47:43Z")
Amuse yourself by being super-nice to her. Seriously. I used to have a co-worker who was that way. Nothing used to bother her more than people who would take her nastiness and reply with smiling sweetness. I once saw a customer who employed this method with her. It ruined her entire day. ---
**Author:** ![7\_up\_yours](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/7/919ad9/32.png) [@7\_up\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/7_up_yours)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/4 "2003-06-12T04:02:34Z")
Well, it’s not like I was nasty to her from the start! I smile! I don’t make people’s job any more difficult that it already is! I let the elderly in front of me! I don’t know what else I can do to be a nicer person. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/5 "2003-06-12T04:03:59Z")
Ugh. Sounds like a bitter old hag to me. I’d say to “kill her with kindness” as well. It really sucks when you come to dread giving a certain place your business b/c the employees are such assholes. Whenever I’ve had to deal with older MEAN customer service workers I just remind myself that this is their life. Obviously they don’t enjoy what they’re doing and they’re going to be stuck doing it for the long haul. That’s a depressing enough thought that their shitty attitude is able to slide that much easier off my back. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/6 "2003-06-12T04:07:12Z")
Oh, and I must agree that there’s a special place in hell for those who don’t return smiles. I always smile at people when I’m in public. Not a huge, creepy grin, but a close mouthed, plesant smile. Most people smile back. Others just give me a death glare. That’s when I give them my patented “well EXCUUUUUSE the fuck outta me!” look. Keep smiling, 7. I’ll smile back atcha. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/7 "2003-06-12T04:13:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lissa \* > \*\*Amuse yourself by being super-nice to her. Seriously. > \*\* I couldn’t agree wit this advise more. For does not the bible tell us : “If your enemy hungers, feed him, if he thirsts, give him drink, for doing so will heap coals of fire on his head.” If you’re unpleasent she will feel justified. If you’re nice beyond all reason…well, I couldn’t put it better than god did :D. ---
**Author:** ![Horrifying\_Howler\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/df788c/32.png) [@Horrifying\_Howler\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horrifying_Howler_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/8 "2003-06-12T04:57:27Z")
1. I cannot stand people like that. If she is so obviously unhappy in her job, she needs to find a new one, where she won’t be exposing the public to her unpleasantness. 1. I like your username **7 up yours** ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/9 "2003-06-12T06:26:14Z")
That’s a good idea - heap coals of fire on her head! ---
**Author:** ![MysteryFellow63427](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e4f/32.png) [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/10 "2003-06-12T06:32:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by 7 up yours \* > **My friends have suggested that I report her to the manager. I should get her fired if it’s the last thing I do. The problem is, though, the last time I was forced to her register, I noticed on her nametag, it said “Store Manager”. So much for getting her fired by reporting the manager.** So go up the food chain. I’m sure the district manager (or store owner) would be interested to know about her behavior. Write a letter, get some of your friends to co-sign it if you can. ---
**Author:** ![Gorgon\_Heap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f475e1/32.png) [@Gorgon\_Heap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgon_Heap)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/11 "2003-06-12T12:24:05Z")
What with it being a small-town affair, if she is a manager there is a good possibility she _is_ an owner. I suggest you hire aliens to take her away in the night. ---
**Author:** ![Sat\_on\_Cookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71c47a/32.png) [@Sat\_on\_Cookie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sat_on_Cookie)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/12 "2003-06-12T12:39:25Z")
I think that killing her with kindness (perhaps literally) is a great idea. Just for variety, I’ll offer up another option. The next time you are in there with her snarky self, how about just looking her _very calmly_ in the eyes (or eye, if she’s a cyclops) and saying: “Have I done something to offend you?” (Questioning eyes, soft, steady, voice – no whining) She will say “No” and look at you like you are crazy. Then you will say: “It just seems as though every time I come in here, you are extremely rude to me and I wanted to apologize for whatever it is i must have done…” She will still look at you like you are nuts. She may start turning red from embarrassment at being called on her behavior. She will brush you off. The you will say: “Ok, then. I’m probably just too sensitive!” (slight, sweet laugh & smile, exit store). What this accomplishes is sort of a combo kill her w/kindness and confrontation. It lets her know that you know how she’s acting. If she is, in fact, human, it may also take her down a notch. Just my advice. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/13 "2003-06-12T12:40:59Z")
Maybe she _does_ have health problems. Or a child died. Or any one of a number of things she unfortunately is taking out on you. Try smiling and asking her how she is today. All you have to do is break through once - and you can enjoy those lower prices without having to deal with the attitude. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/14 "2003-06-12T12:48:55Z")
I suspect the whole OP is is a load of crap. There are no rude people in Canada. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/15 "2003-06-12T12:52:49Z")
This has worked for me to avoid such recurring problems: Cranky lady: “I’m sorry, I can’t scan the card after the items have been rung up.” Me: “Okay.” Exit store, leaving Cranky Lady to back out every single item she just scanned in. Do not return to store. ---
**Author:** ![Neidhart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Neidhart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neidhart)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/16 "2003-06-12T13:02:32Z")
> [@](#): > > I suggest you hire aliens to take her away in the night. I hear Guatemalans work cheap. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Gorgon\_Heap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f475e1/32.png) [@Gorgon\_Heap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgon_Heap)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/17 "2003-06-12T13:12:58Z")
> [@](#): > > I hear Guatemalans work cheap. Indeed? Hmmm … ---
**Author:** ![insomnia4AM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@insomnia4AM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/insomnia4AM)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/18 "2003-06-12T13:13:25Z")
I’d go with just being the “good customer” you have always been. It can’t hurt anything. Some people are just naturally like that. I agree, the kindness thing will probably kill her. What have you got to lose? ---
**Author:** ![desdinova](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@desdinova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/desdinova)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/19 "2003-06-12T13:14:47Z")
Unless this is a local, owner-operated drug store, there is _someone_ higher up on the totem pole than her. Hell, the fact that she’s even bothering to handle things like stocking merchandise suggests she’s not at the top of the food chain. If it’s a chain, even if it’s an owner-operated franchise, then the corporate office has a say in it because it reflects extremely poorly on the chain. Get her name, and explain to whoever owns her ass that she’s making it very difficult to remain a loyal customer of this particular apothecary concern. This sort of behavior costs the company money, and they’d _love_ to hear about it. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2003, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273/20 "2003-06-12T13:22:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by desdinova \* > **Hell, the fact that she’s even bothering to handle things like stocking merchandise suggests she’s not at the top of the food chain.** Huh? If I were a small drugstore owner, I sure as heck would stock as much merchandise personally as possible, to avoid having to pay someone $10 an hour or more (after taxes, work insurance etc.) to do it for me! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-hate-hate-the-lady-who-works-at-my-local-drug-store/181273.md?page=2)