Appreciate them

As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons with hectic shopping days, let’s take a minute and think about shoppers and store workers.

First, a quick word for those eating out on Thanksgiving. The reason that restaurant is crowded is because other people had the same idea you did. That restaurant worker is working while you are there with your family and friends. Be sure to appreciate them. And when you are finished with your meal, get up and leave so that someone else can have that table.

For shoppers, remember this — that store worker is a person, too. They may have already served dozens or even hundreds of other customers and heard complaints from them.

If your store actually has cashiers, they are doing their best, yet the line keeps getting longer. They’ve been on their feet for hours. It’s not their fault that there are 100 people in line yet there are only two checkout lines open. The stockers are also doing their best, let’s understand that they aren’t trying to get in your way, they’re keeping those shelves stocked with the items you desire or need. This also applies to those who work in phone centers, and believe me, I know, they are doing everything they can, taking your call, processing the order, and shipping it, and are juggling other duties as well.

That Amazon delivery person, that person with FedEx and UPS, your mail carrier, they are all doing their best to deliver your package. You’re not the only person on their route. Appreciate them.

For store workers, remember the customer is also a person. Maybe they can’t find a certain item. They’ve waited in that long line. They might have already been to numerous crowded stores, with more stores to go. They’ve had a long day, too.

If someone wishes you “Merry Christmas,” great. If someone tells you “Happy Holidays,” fine. If they say “Happy Hanukkah,” that’s OK, too. If they do none of these, no problem. Don’t get offended either way. If it offends you, you’re the one with the problem, not them.

Let’s all try to show kindness and respect, not just during the holiday season, but at all times.

— Randy Alley
Salisbury