So I wrote a blog entry earlier, while Blogger was on the fritz or out dancing in the meadows or whatever it was doing, and then I had a run-in with everyone's favorite librarian. I was the first one in a long line, and there were 2 librarians. One (the nice one) was checking people out, and the other (the evil one) was playing with stacks of books, making sure their edges were even. I thought the evil one said "Next," and proceeded forward.
Evil One: No! I didn't say next. I'm CLEANING! (continues straightening the edges of books)
Me (ruffled): Sorry! (heads back to line)
2 seconds later, in an evil voice:
Evil One: Next.
I hate these stupid power games. Of course, it only occurs to me later to say something like: "Why are you making little towers with your books when there are four people waiting in line?" But I generally don't say things like that unless I'm *really* angry, and it *always* freaks me out when people yell at me.
I wish people would be nicer.
Evil One: No! I didn't say next. I'm CLEANING! (continues straightening the edges of books)
Me (ruffled): Sorry! (heads back to line)
2 seconds later, in an evil voice:
Evil One: Next.
I hate these stupid power games. Of course, it only occurs to me later to say something like: "Why are you making little towers with your books when there are four people waiting in line?" But I generally don't say things like that unless I'm *really* angry, and it *always* freaks me out when people yell at me.
I wish people would be nicer.
Comments
(and I feel the need to say that the people who work at the check-out counters in public libraries are usually not librarians, but clerks. I like to think that a librarian would have better customer service skills, although anyone who works in library should know better, no matter their role.)
(end of public service announcement)
liz - i agree. anyone would have better social skills! and i'm sure you're a fabulous librarian :D
Keep in mind though, she is embittered because that is all her life has amounted to when she thinks she deserves more. She probably also thinks you have a much more exciting life than she does, thinks that you are more attractive and more popular than her, and resents you 9and everyone else she meets) for it.
I want to go to Liz's library and check out whatever book I want to and be smiled at. Now THAT'S a good library experience. :)
roxanne - how did the cashier react? same here, i would like to go to liz's library!
kitkat - i agree, i seldom say anything bad b/c (a) it doesn't occur to me then and (b) i would just feel bad later.
I have dealt with some really foul librarians in my time and I have put it down to the fact that a lot of people, in the library industry, have not had good experiences, particularly in life and high school... and therefore, were not given the adequate exposure to good social skills by their peers.
Don't take her anger personally, she is obviously unhappy with her life.
I stand there speechless.