I don't mind aging. I don't think of it as a thrill ride, but I like being on this little blue planet hurtling through space. As I begin knocking at the door of menopause, however, I find some things about getting older seriously annoy me.
I am becoming invisible. As a chubby, middle-aged female, I am finding it increasingly difficult to get assistance in stores. Clerks look through me, or ignore me, or fob me off. I'm not used to this.As a matter of fact, in gaming and tech stores, I typically get decent service. This holiday season, I suddenly noticed that this is no longer the case.
I was in a tech store to buy the kiddo a gaming headset. The three guys on staff were not overly busy, but were not overly eager to help me. I finally helped myself, and then had to wait to pay. You heard me, I had to WAIT TO PAY! At the till. With no one else waiting to pay. With only two other people in the store besides us.
So let me get this straight. I'm going to give you money. You are not waiting on anyone else. Yet you are twiddling with a display rather than taking my money??
Okay.
The kiddo and I had to run out last night to pick up a new controller for her gaming system. After walking up to the clerk, gesturing that we needed a cabinet unlocked, waiting 15 minutes, waving at him, knocking on the glass case, I finally had to call the customer assistance desk to get some help.
I had to use my iPhone to call to the front of the store, to ask someone in Customer Service to please send someone to unlock the case that is holding what we want to buy hostage, because we have been waiting more than fifteen minutes and I am starting to get upset.
Because the dude left.
Actually left.
Went on break, apparently. I was going to give him money, I simply could not get to the item we needed to buy.
And he went on break.
Like I said, I'm not used to this, this feeling that I am fading from view. The almost permanent anger my hormones induce in me makes it super easy to freak out in such circumstances. I actually told the kiddo, "I am sorry. I am starting to feel the rage building, and I am about to make a scene. You can walk away now if you want, or pretend you don't know me."
Of course she opted to stay. She is amused by my rage, when it is not directed at her.
Strange thing is though, that for women, I seem to be coming into focus. Most female clerks are deferential, chatty, and really willing to help. Perhaps they instinctively see the future, and are trying to fight that off for other women.
I kind of remember this happening to my mom, but I was young and really oblivious. I recall her asking me to run and get a sales clerk, or to find someone to help her. I never connected it until now. She was fading from view, and while she never faded from my view, I suspect she faded from the world's view, and that makes me sad. Mostly for her, because I am not sad that I am fading.
I am furious.
I am becoming invisible. As a chubby, middle-aged female, I am finding it increasingly difficult to get assistance in stores. Clerks look through me, or ignore me, or fob me off. I'm not used to this.As a matter of fact, in gaming and tech stores, I typically get decent service. This holiday season, I suddenly noticed that this is no longer the case.
I was in a tech store to buy the kiddo a gaming headset. The three guys on staff were not overly busy, but were not overly eager to help me. I finally helped myself, and then had to wait to pay. You heard me, I had to WAIT TO PAY! At the till. With no one else waiting to pay. With only two other people in the store besides us.
So let me get this straight. I'm going to give you money. You are not waiting on anyone else. Yet you are twiddling with a display rather than taking my money??
Okay.
The kiddo and I had to run out last night to pick up a new controller for her gaming system. After walking up to the clerk, gesturing that we needed a cabinet unlocked, waiting 15 minutes, waving at him, knocking on the glass case, I finally had to call the customer assistance desk to get some help.
I had to use my iPhone to call to the front of the store, to ask someone in Customer Service to please send someone to unlock the case that is holding what we want to buy hostage, because we have been waiting more than fifteen minutes and I am starting to get upset.
Because the dude left.
Actually left.
Went on break, apparently. I was going to give him money, I simply could not get to the item we needed to buy.
And he went on break.
Like I said, I'm not used to this, this feeling that I am fading from view. The almost permanent anger my hormones induce in me makes it super easy to freak out in such circumstances. I actually told the kiddo, "I am sorry. I am starting to feel the rage building, and I am about to make a scene. You can walk away now if you want, or pretend you don't know me."
Of course she opted to stay. She is amused by my rage, when it is not directed at her.
Strange thing is though, that for women, I seem to be coming into focus. Most female clerks are deferential, chatty, and really willing to help. Perhaps they instinctively see the future, and are trying to fight that off for other women.
I kind of remember this happening to my mom, but I was young and really oblivious. I recall her asking me to run and get a sales clerk, or to find someone to help her. I never connected it until now. She was fading from view, and while she never faded from my view, I suspect she faded from the world's view, and that makes me sad. Mostly for her, because I am not sad that I am fading.
I am furious.
1 comment:
I have not noticed this problem... and I an a grey-haired round fem person too... I also would have walked out of the store and not bought anything. F@ck'em.Then I'd call management. I am a bitch.
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