People Are Interesting

I had an interesting study in people today! Here are my findings:

Observation #1 - West Towne Mall
On a busy Saturday, the parking lot becomes a friendly place. Everyone is alternating in and out of parking spaces nicely, stopping to let someone making a turn into the line of cars, and waving to say "thanks."

Observation #2 - The Apple Store, West Towne Mall
This store was packed with people who would step to the side to let you stand so you could see the merchandise hanging on the walls. Brandon, my iPhone specialist, greeted me with a smile and firm handshake and was great at explaining the upgrade of my phone and waited patiently for me to call AT&T to confirm my upgrade eligiblity, even as some of his friends came into the store to say hello!

Observation #3 - Copps Grocery Store, Check-Out Lane
I was ready to purchase my groceries, so I pushed my cart into an empty check-out lane, where I was greeted politely as I began to unload my groceries onto the conveyer belt. An elderly woman stopped at the end of the lane and rudely said, "Didn't you see the sign?" as she jabbed her finger toward the sign saying "15 items or less." I looked at my groceries and then looked back at her, smiled and said, "No I didn't! Oops!" In my mind, I was thinking, 'Clearly I didn't see that sign, but my 22 items are already unloaded, so get over it and make your purchase in the next lane because nobody is standing there!'

This was very interesting because I observed two positive behaviors from people today and two negetive behaviors. The old woman's statement to me was unnecessary and rude, but my internal reaction was bitter as well. Hmmmmmmm, people are interesting!