21 February 2008

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Working with the general public is sure to come with its fair share of wacky customer stories. Celebrity sightings in tiny P-Town, shady returns, strangers talking politics with you over the phone while you order their Crocs, and folks who feel the need to discuss their foot issues (the majority of which would make me dry heave to even write). The following tale could potentially be quite embarrassing for me to share, but I consider myself a somewhat confident person and am willing to sacrifice my pride at the expense of a funny story.

Situation: Tuesday night around 8. I am on the phone helping a customer find a particular pair of shoes as a coworker brings over her custy to ring up a few pairs of shoes. As I hang up the phone, the following conversation takes place:
Custy: You handled that really well.
Moi: Oh, thanks.
brief pause
Custy (with a grin): You're pregnant.
Moi (unamused): Nope.
Custy: Well then you must be working on losing weight?
Moi: Well, I certainly am now....
Custy: Did you read the article in Prevention magazine recently about the foods that cut down on belly fat?
Moi: You know, I didn't.
Custy: Well my friend blahblahblah....(at this point I was completely tuned out, just wishing she would stop talking and leave.)
another pause
Custy: I'm sorry about saying that pregnant thing.
Moi: Really. It's fine. (note:it's not fine. I just want her to LEAVE)
Custy: You just seemed so happy and friendly, I figured it must be a pregnant glow.
End Scene.
And now, my ranting response, which my sense of superior customer service prevented me from diving into at the time.
1. Never EVER assume someone is pregnant. I don't care if their feet are in the stirrups and you can see the child crowning, it's still a tricky subject. When in doubt, don't ask. Even if you're sure, don't ask.
2. How does one go from assuming pregnancy (gaining weight) to weight loss? It should also be said that I have never before seen this woman, so it's not like I looked different since she last saw me.
3. Prevention magazine? Do I look like an AARP member???
4. Belly Fat?!?!? That is like the ugliest phrase ever. Even if there is an appropriate situation in which to discuss such a topic, use something else. "Trimming waistline," "losing inches".....anything really, just not b.f.!
5. Pregnant glow. So not only am I a Fatty McFat, but I am a sweaty greaseball??

I'm done ranting for now. Hope you all find humor in my humiliation! Oh, and PS: I'm never wearing that outfit ever again.

14 comments:

Shanicherie said...

Oh Meggan, I am SO sorry that happened to you! I have an eternal intolerance for obliviously idiotic people who say things like that. Don't be offended, that person is just plain stupid.

paintingyoupretty said...

First of all i just sent you a charming email that I hope I sent to the right address so that should lift your spirits. Secondly, this lady sounds like she was on Drugs. Third, I'm attributing your glow to your foundation. If you are going to blame someone, blame Chanel.

elise said...

Seriously?! Who says that??? I think that every woman knows that you never ask someone if they are pregnant, just in case. Rude!

If it helps, I was dying laughing at your rant! And I was the one that had a dream about cookies and doughnuts, so....

Michael and Natalie said...

I'll cut her. I know she's in your Nordstrom address book... where is she??

Heart hug.

Shanicherie said...

Thanks Meggan. I sort of pride myself on spelling things correctly. :) It's an OCD I've had since I was little. I feel absolutely mortified when I spell something (or someone's name) incorrectly!

Shannon said...

oh my gosh, i am seriously dying! Your assertions are 100% correct. NEVER do you assume it! NEVER! Not even at month 9. What a dirtbag lady! "Ohh, well then you must be losing weight??" Um, don't see the connection lady--perhaps you should get a college education and learn how to accurately connect thoughts. Ew, and belly fat?? Really? This lady probably used to be obese and since a recent gastric bypass is taking out her former vengeance toward cute girls by bringing down their self esteem! I'm sure you looked fab.

And note to customer: just because you didn't get the memo that empire waist shirts are hot right now, don't go assuming that empty air under the waist line is filled space.

Thank you for the fabulous rant.

Laurel said...

I will NEVER understand what posesses someone to ask anyone, let alone a complete stranger, if they are pergnant. Seriously! Then, ZERO apology! Wow. I am impressed you kept your "Nordstrom-caliber cool" and didn't drop kick her completely indiscreet A$* clear across the county!

Unknown said...

I agree with Laurel...Wow, you're the best meggan, I can't believe how nice you were to her.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jenna said...

nordstrom is the strangest place on earth. it's a place where you can say whatever the hell you want to the employees and we'll take it, love it and thank you for it. ew.

Rae said...

Honestly, what is the matter with people? Thank you for the visual of the lady with her feet in the stirrups and the child crowning. I was rolling when I read that at work.
Some people....

A and L said...

Remember when you invited your long lost friend to your birthday party? Then remember how she blog bitched about the entire thing?!

I'm dying!
LOL!

CHUNTZ said...

Oh my hell I love stupid people, and better yet I love people who have no social skills and dont knwo when to stop talking! Bless their hearts! PS Cute piture of us on my blog....BTW You're hot and "get the shit of the table"

el capitan said...

awww glad to know provo is still as naive as ever lol.. its a pleasure being linked... i'll have to visit you daily as well. you never know what the crazy world of retail will bestow upon you next... lol "belly fat" lol