Posted by WorryGirl on December 11, 2002, at 14:41:29
In reply to you're NOT a failure.... » WorryGirl, posted by NikkiT2 on December 11, 2002, at 13:48:25
Thanks Nikki,
I think that I am going to do more internet shopping, but it sure is nice to see and feel what I'm buying beforehand.
Actually, buying gift certificates online sounds like a good idea.It's funny how when I go shopping alone I don't get the attitudes from other customers and/or salespeople nearly as often. Even when my children are perfectly behaved you wouldn't believe some of the glares I get from people. Ironically, it is during the daytime (when most people are at their jobs) that I get the worst attitudes. You would think that there would be a sort of empathy between the stay-at-home mothers. Occasionally, yes, but surprisingly, more often than not, no, it's more like a competition and one-upmanship. Maybe their children have better genes! (laugh) I just can't (and wouldn't if I could) try to pull off the "I'm better than you are" game.
The salespeople seem snootier during the daytime, too. All of this might account for living in a fairly prosperous section of a big city. I wonder if, because I don't play the "holier than thou" game if people are assuming that I'm of a lower social order than they are.Interestingly, the "outside working people" (not that us mothers don't work!) I've found to be more friendly overall - if any of them are rude, it's probably because of stress and lack of time.
I do feel for the salespeople who have to deal with any kind of rudeness, excessive complaining and bullying. Because I'm afraid of anger, I would wither if I was treated as badly as I've seen some salespeople treated. I know that in the whole scheme of things, there really aren't as many salespeople trying to play power games (like the one I ran into Monday) as there are hardworking ones. It just seems more prevalent in this particular mall - I think it might be worth driving an extra 10 miles to go to a different one.
If I see someone treated rudely or unfairly I would like to think that I would intercede, but the social phobic part of me might take over and I would watch myself freeze as I have at other times. Very rarely I will surprise myself and show some spirit, but I am literally shaking when I do, and don't portray confidence at all. Maybe one day....
I know it sounds cheesy, but we really are all in the same big picture, trying to fulfill our destiny, playing our own unique part; it's just that there are always going to be people who feel that they are playing THE leading part.
Until I gain more confidence I think I'll stick to internet and night/weekend shopping.
poster:WorryGirl
thread:33113
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021206/msgs/33229.html