It's that time of year again... *sigh*

[belledreamer]

For most, it's a time for happy times, family and friends, but as a cashier in a grocery store, I see things that make me question that.

As an example, today, a couple in their mid-60's were getting their Thanksgiving groceries checked out at the register next to mine. There was a problem with the price of the turkey, (they had the correct price) and I had to go to the back to check and confirm the price to make sure it was correct. The husband followed not too far behind me. I made it back first to confirm the price, by that time, the groceries were all checked out, 4 more customers were waiting behind her, and the husband (who wasn't back yet) had the wallet.

The wife had a complete meltdown, thinking that the people behind her were furious that they had to wait on her husband to return, and began sobbing, (which they weren't. It's Thanksgiving week; you know you're gonna wait...) screaming at least five times that she'd kill him once she got her hands on him, and now screaming so loud that people were coming to look. After doing everything we could to calm her down, (including calling the manager to calm her and paging her husband) there was nothing else we could do but wait for him to come back as she continued ranting.

And once he got back...she broke loose; screaming at a higher level, using curse words, lots of "How dare you's" and "You know better's"... And he stood there and took it until he finally sat on a bench and crossed his arms in a way reminiscent of a 6 yr old who was being corrected. Until his wife screamed, "You need to get over here to pay for the **** groceries!!!" I have to feel bad for the poor cashier who had to check them out; she actually ending up moving away for a few minutes because we all thought the lady was gonna hit someone...


And it's like this every holiday season. For the most part, people are nice, friendly and understanding. But while the holidays can bring out the best in most, it can also bring out the worst in others. I guess all I can do is hope that the nice ones come through my register and pray that I make it through my day-before-thanksgiving-shift.

I don't mean to bring anyone down about the holidays, I just needed somewhere to download. Thanks for taking the time to listen.

 

[momof1princess]

i pray your holiday shifts are uneventful and as stress-free as possible.

 

[AlaskaMOM]

For most, it's a time for happy times, family and friends, but as a cashier in a grocery store, I see things that make me question that.

As an example, today, a couple in their mid-60's were getting their Thanksgiving groceries checked out at the register next to mine. There was a problem with the price of the turkey, (they had the correct price) and I had to go to the back to check and confirm the price to make sure it was correct. The husband followed not too far behind me. I made it back first to confirm the price, by that time, the groceries were all checked out, 4 more customers were waiting behind her, and the husband (who wasn't back yet) had the wallet.

The wife had a complete meltdown, thinking that the people behind her were furious that they had to wait on her husband to return, and began sobbing, (which they weren't. It's Thanksgiving week; you know you're gonna wait...) screaming at least five times that she'd kill him once she got her hands on him, and now screaming so loud that people were coming to look. After doing everything we could to calm her down, (including calling the manager to calm her and paging her husband) there was nothing else we could do but wait for him to come back as she continued ranting.

And once he got back...she broke loose; screaming at a higher level, using curse words, lots of "How dare you's" and "You know better's"... And he stood there and took it until he finally sat on a bench and crossed his arms in a way reminiscent of a 6 yr old who was being corrected. Until his wife screamed, "You need to get over here to pay for the **** groceries!!!" I have to feel bad for the poor cashier who had to check them out; she actually ending up moving away for a few minutes because we all thought the lady was gonna hit someone...


And it's like this every holiday season. For the most part, people are nice, friendly and understanding. But while the holidays can bring out the best in most, it can also bring out the worst in others. I guess all I can do is hope that the nice ones come through my register and pray that I make it through my day-before-thanksgiving-shift.

I don't mean to bring anyone down about the holidays, I just needed somewhere to download. Thanks for taking the time to listen.

So totally not the way I thought the story was going.

I am sorry you have to deal with all the people who become overwhelmed with the holiday spirit. Hope there's a few keeper memories for you to get you thru

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Eek!

I'm sorry you had to face that. I always found thanksgiving week to be my busiest as a cashier and while I had my fair share of interesting moments, I've never witnessed that type of meltdown. Sad to say---Thanksgiving food shopping likely just unleashed the beast today. It probably wasn't responsible for bringing out her worst. Just 2 more days until Turksy shopping mayhem concludes until Christmas week.

 

[belledreamer]

So totally not the way I thought the story was going.

I am sorry you have to deal with all the people who become overwhelmed with the holiday spirit. Hope there's a few keeper memories for you to get you thru

We didn't know it it either at first; we thought she was still upset about the turkey...

It's not ruining my holiday spirit. (I don't celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas for religion reasons) But I do felt bad for the people who want to enjoy this time of year and had to see (and hear) it. I'm just thankful there weren't any little children around.

 

[Dancind]

Sounds like a bit of Alzheimers or something going on. Sad.

 

[npmommie]

Sounds like there must have been something else going on. mental illness of some degree.