Letter to the Editor: Is too a problem
BY Glenn A. Varner, Tulsa
Sunday, September 23, 2012
9/23/12 at 3:20 AM
Where has common courtesy gone? Why is it so difficult for today's crowd to use the words, "thank you," and, "you're welcome?" Are these esoteric words known only to a few? How can words so simple be so rarely used?
I was recently in a well-known privately owned grocery store in Tulsa. When I checked out with a bill of approximately $130, the checker gave me the receipt and said, "There you go!" Something in my old-fashioned mind told me that "There you go!" is not an acceptable substitute for "thank you!"
I do not require much of people. A simple "thank you" does wonders for my disposition, and I could even tolerate a "have a good 'un!" a bit better.
I then noticed that a well-dressed gentleman, perhaps a manager, probably in his 50s, was bagging the groceries and putting them in my cart. My intention was to take him aside and ask him to speak to the checker about what I perceived as a lack of courtesy. Before I could do this, however, he put the last item in my cart and said, "There you go!"
After I went to my car, I thought about this and decided I couldn't let it go. I called the store manager on my cell phone and explained what had just happened. He was appropriately concerned and apologetic while assuring me that he would address the problem immediately. Feeling somewhat vindicated, I then thanked him for his assistance. His response? "Not a problem!"
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