I'll have to think about it

May 31, 2011

I consider myself a thinker but not a fast one. I like to analyze and think it over. I received valuable advice many years ago from Norman Price (Lebanon Ward, Missouri) to say, “Let me think about it” instead of trying to come up with a fast answer. I’m also good with witty comebacks but they come to me six hours later, not at the moment I actually need to use one. This is great if you’re writing a paper and can let it sit while you think about it but terrible if you’re trying to interact with real people. This is why I’m going into accounting and not marketing/sales or social work--I’m slow but not stupid. ;-)

Last week, I took Melody and Nathan for an eye exam. It’s a new place I’ve never been to before and when we walked in, I looked around for the receptionist desk. A couple of guys were helping people pick out eye glasses and when I hesitated, hoping someone would say, “Can I help you?” they just ignored us. To my left was a desk with a counter so I walked over, still kind of waiting for someone to say something but no one did. So I put my purse on the counter. Then the glasses guy scowled at me and said, “What are you up to?” I was a little taken aback but I’m always in “polite mode” so I quickly said something brilliant like, “My kids have an appointment.” He pointed me towards the receptionist desk which had been completely blocked from view when I entered the building. I guess we came in the back door. But later, after thinking more about it, I wish I had paused for two seconds, smiled sweetly, and said, “What am I up to?? How about ‘Can I help you?’ I’m new here and a little customer service would be great right about now.’” He still may not have gotten the hint about his “bedside manner” but at least I wouldn’t have had to replay it in my mind for the next few hours – or blog about it. :-)

New M Com 320 assignment: “Buy a stranger a coke” then blog about it. Hmm, I’ll have to think about it and let you know.