Be kind to your cashier, please: We deserve it

Be kind to your cashier(kaˈSHi(ə)r), please: We deserve it

By Megan Ty

I was a quick learner.

“Hi, miss. How are you? Need any bags?”

A methodical(məˈTHädikəl) routine(ro͞oˈtēn). Grab(grab), scan, bag. Grab, scan, bag. Ask for the points card.

“Credit(ˈkredit), debit(ˈdebit) or cash(kaSH)?”

I’m 15 years old. Excited and nervous(ˈnərvəs). My very first job. My very first day.

“Your total is $13.55.”

I offer a smile and an open hand, ready to provide the best service.

…

Since then, I have spent hours scanning groceries(ˈgrōs(ə)rē). I have seen thousands of different characters(ˈkariktər) and personalities(ˌpərsəˈnalitē) come into the store. As my shift would progress, the number of insults and bad attitude would grow exponentially(ˌekspəˈnenCHəl). Some days, a thought would nag(nag) at the back of my head as I packed up and punched out at the time clock.

How can you be so inconsiderate(ˌinkənˈsidərit)?

…

Why is it okay to be unkind to a stranger, but not to an acquaintance(əˈkwāntns)? And why do people get so hot and bothered in a grocery store? It’s just another example of senseless(ˈsensləs) behaviour. But how can insulting a harmless and innocent(ˈinəsənt) 15 year old cashing out your milk and bread(bred) bring you any satisfaction(ˌsatisˈfakSHən)?

…

In the end, the person on the other side of the till who scans your groceries should be given the same respect as the person beside you at the movie theatre(ˈTHēətər), or on the bus.

…

Whoever it is – it’s always a person. Just like you and just like me.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/first-person/article-be-kind-to-your-cashier-please-we-deserve-it/