Our society is screwed up.. in more ways than one, but one thing particularly stuck out at me this morning as I stopped at 711 for my morning coffee.
I go to 711 usually once a day sometimes twice. I am usually on my way to work, so I am dressed up, my hair is tamed, and I have already applied at least a little make up. On these days, my trip to 711 is always a wonderful experience. I park my car across the parking lot (because usually it is too packed in the morning to get a good spot). A man who is already at the door spots me walking across the parking lot, and waits to hold the door open. I thank him then head towards the coffee to fulfill my need for caffeine. The coffee station is crowded as well, and I smile as a man turns to me and mutters something about the crowd, or mondays, or the need for coffee, or anything really. I then fill up my cup and search for the milk and a lid. Everyone apologizes to me for being in my way of the milk or the coffee lids, and I smile and say its quite alright. I then proceed to the cashier who greets me with a friendly hello, asks how my day is, and tells me to "stay cool" due to the skyrocketing temperatures this summer. He then wishes me a good day, and I proceed to the door where a man walking in holds the door open for me.
All in all these days I have a wonderful experience at 711. I leave happy.
Today it was a bit different. This morning I was on my way home from my boyfriends house. I had on a t-shirt and athletic shorts with flip flops. My hair was thrown up in a messy bun, and the idea of makeup hadn't even crossed my mind yet. Today I got out of my car, excited to grab that great cup of coffee, and expecting my usual experience at the chain convenience store. I parked my car across the parking lot (as per usual due to the crowds) and proceeded towards the door. A man went in right in front of me. Not only did he not hold the door for me, but he didn't even do one of those "push-backs", where you give the door a little push for the person behind you. No, he let the door go which hit me in the arm and he didn't even turn to apologize. Then I proceeded to the coffee station, where I waited behind some people for the crowds to disburse. No one smiled at me, no one tried to spark up conversation, and when I got my coffee and was searching for the milk people stood in my way not even noticing that I was patiently waiting. I then went to the cashier who rang me up with little enthusiasm. No "How are you?" No "Have a great day." And, need I say, no one held the door for me on my way out.
So, was my experience today a rare coincidence? Are people more susceptive and friendly to a "businesswoman"? Do you have to be dressed up with your hair and makeup done to get a little courtesy? What ever happened to 'don't judge a book by its cover', eh?
