what is it about lines?
We have them everywhere, lines in geometry are good; a straight line is a quick way to get some place; we park between them usually; fishing line is important if you want to catch a fish; we say to color in between the lines but when it comes to waiting in line, ugh.
Have you been in the express line at the grocery store and someone walks up with more than 20 items? I’m not sure what is worse that or having someone in a “regular” line question the amount they were charged for a roll of paper towels that might save them 10 cents. The post office can be a bad place to be when you’ve been in line for awhile and one of the two cashiers goes on break. How about a line at the courthouse for a car registration that snakes around the middle of the room? I was there not so long ago and decided to people watch for about 30 minutes. People talk about the weirdest things in line…
As usual someone eventually gets upset in these situations and then look around for someone to be on their side or try to verbally justify their emotion. Maybe I’m too laid back but I don’t get it. Life is scheduled down to the second and we always have people to see and places to go. However, the object of our ”wrath” often has little to do with the circumstance (unless you are waiting in a fast food drive through line and they get your order wrong, right?).
Try to smile and leave those servants surprised. Make their day with a kind word and a smooth transaction. I don’t foresee us ever getting rid of lines at least not the kind you wait in…
Tags: culture, expectations, society