Another observation on the oddness of people.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

So today I'm working the library and this lady comes in. She's what I think of as a "gypsy type"...tall, long bottle blond hair curled into long spirals, almost dreadlocks....flowy skirts, a top that winds around her big boobs. She's an imposing figure. She's got a few kids following her around, and she speaks to them as if they're her secret confidants.

She has multiple cards, multiple renewals, multiple books and videos and things to check out. She asks a ton of questions, but in an almost demanding fashion...ok, demanding is too strong a word. More like "This is what I need to know, and you are going to tell it to me, because that's how it goes." Then she takes her sweet time figuring out exactly what she wants. Luckily there was no one waiting for help, but I've seen this lady on busy days and she operates in exactly the same fashion.

In working a customer service job, I've come to appreciate the subtleties of the small interactions I have with patrons. Some appreciate just a hello and have a nice day, while others like to swap minor pleasantries regarding the books they've read or the weather report. I do enjoy talking to people, even if it's just small talk BS. I guess it makes us both feel like we're actually human beings interacting, however artificially.

At the same time, I know people want to be in and out of here as painlessly as possible. I do my best to be quick and efficient. I get lots of comments on how fast I am, and people are very glad of it. I know I appreciate fast service when I'm dealing with CS people. So while I'm saying "Yes, I love this author", I'm checking out books. If they still want to talk after my transaction is done, I'll indulge, as long as no one is waiting. If someone is waiting, I'll let them finish a sentence, give a small ending response, and then look to the next one in line.

But there are some people that do NOT appreciate fast service. It's my theory that these people think that every interaction they have with another person needs to be lengthy and "friendly", almost leisurely. Otherwise they act as if they've been given the short shrift. I've had patrons give me a negative look when I push their books toward them in 5 seconds flat, after they've attempted to start a long, drawn out talk with me. I've never had anyone actually put me down for being quick but there's that moment where you can tell that they're kind of miffed.

I guess they long for the days of the "chat at the general store". Age has nothing to do with it, btw. And it's funny, but depending on the person, sometimes it annoys me, and sometimes I indulge them. I think the difference is that there are some who's habits do not change according to how busy we are, like the person I mention above. Those people are aggravating.

So, I suppose it comes down to consideration for others.