OK, so most of the people who know me are aware that I am, ahem…forthright. On a good day, this is generally an asset for me. On a bad day, it sometimes gets me in trouble, i.e. my bluntness makes people mad at me, and thereby my bad day just gets worse. But yesterday the opposite happened.
I was at deli with some friends, ordering a sandwich that was $6.35. I’m thinking this is pretty expensive for a sandwich and I had already had a somewhat frustrating day. So, after I ordered it, the following conversation ensued:
Me: “What comes with that?”
Deli Guy: “Chips and a pickle.”
Me: “Can I get something besides chips?”
Deli Guy: “Yes. For 99 cents, you can get pasta…”
Me (interrupting): “What if I don’t want to pay 99 cents?” (You know, I’m already thinking I’m paying an awful lot for a sandwich.)
Deli Guy: “Then you get chips.”
Me: “What if I don’t want chips?”
Deli Guy: “Then I won’t give you chips.”
Me: “Am I still paying for the chips?”
Deli Guy: “Yes.”
Me: “So, I have to get the chips or I’m paying for nothing?”
Deli Guy: “Yes.”
Me: “Give me the chips.” But before I moved on, I added, “I’m sorry. I’m just grouchy. It’s not your fault.”
So, we went and sat down and ate. The deli had slowed down a bit by now and we were in conversation, when all of a sudden a hand appears in front of me with a bowl of fruit. I look up, and it’s the deli guy. He sets it down, and says, “I hope your day gets better,” and disappears.
And my day did get better, thanks to him.
