And also, if you know me at all I HATE MORNINGS. My husband has learned to simply kiss me on the head before he leaves, rather than attempt any form of conversation. My co-worker and I have an agreement that no important discussions (or any discussions) will take place pre-10 a.m.
So imagine my chagrin as yesterday, as this Starbucks drive-thru window attendant starts up a conversation. I even had my Blackberry out and everything so she would get the hint that there would be no chit-chatting. But noooo, that did not stop her. She proceeds to tell me how all of her clothes smell but she doesn't know why. I can't imagine what my face looked like at this point, but I'm assuming it was not hard to tell what I was thinking. Which was "EEEW!" and "Shut up!"
But she continued, unabashed. Apparently everywhere she goes, people tell her her clothes smell. Like coffee (um duh!) and ROTTEN MILK. At this point I start to think 1) why do you wear your Starbucks uniform everywhere you go and 2) why do you wait so long to wash your clothes that the milk spilled on them turns rotten? AND you'd think if people told her she smelled, she might just do something about it.
And of course, I have to idea what to say to her. So I just nod and pray fervently that my drink is done soon. And even when it comes, she keeps talking about her SMELLY CLOTHES. Knowing I can't burn this bridge and speed away while she's still talking, because she has the power to spit in my drink you know, I politely wave and pull away. And then vent to Twitter.
So, as I pull go through drive-thru order thingy this morning VERY nervous about who will be at the other end of that speaker, and pull up to the window (after having to repeat my drink like 20 times), guess who pops out of the window to take my money. Yeah, you guessed it, smelly girl.
She started things out kind of normal. Shy, even. And I resumed intently staring at my Blackberry, hoping to avoid a repeat of yesterday, but it was no use. I see her out of the corner of my eye, and like it's in slow motion, I turn and look at her.
And she starts up. "Didn't I see you yesterday? Oh yes, yes I remember your coat. I like your coat. What are you wearing underneath your coat? Oh plaid. I like plaid. But I can't wear it because I'd look like a hillbilly. I have an uncle who wears just plaid. But you don't look like a hill billy or my uncle. I like your clothes. Can I come over to your house and take photos of your wardrobe so I can dress like you? Because I like all of your clothes. Well, everything I've seen you wear the last two days (giggle). What are you wearing on your feet?"
I am not exaggerating. And she was not kidding.
What am I going to do you guys? I can't take this every morning. How do you deal with crazy customer service people?
14 comments:
Oh my! Is there another Starbucks you can stop at on your way to work? It might be worth it...
Dutch Bros?
Some people are just verbal processors. She probably forgot to put in detergent the last time she did her laundry, but telling her probably wouldn't have made her shut up!
You should tell her about Working Closet ;-)
Maybe, park the car and get your coffee inside and avoid her at the drive-thru window?
Ugh. What a nightmare. Maybe tell her the truth? That it's early in the morning and you haven't had your coffee yet and you can't really deal with much yet. And if that doesn't work, the next time it happens call a manager and explain that SOME of their employees need to learn appropriate boundaries? They don't want to lose your business and chances are if you're annoyed someone else is too.
As I tried to tell you long ago...go to Human Bean for grat coffee and no conversation!
StevenA
As a former Sbux employee, I can tell you that we get long lectures about being friendly and chatting up the customers. Sounds like she just doesn't know how to do it. :) Next time, I would say to her, "thanks for being so friendly, but I am not awake before I get my coffee. So please just let me sit here." This will be better for both of you, she will not feel like she has to talk to you (because as the customer you are always right) and you will get peace and quiet. The gentle truth will lead to better mornings all around.
keep your window rolled up while you're waiting and NEVER make eye contact.
or, try shoving it back at her by chatting her ear off until she gets uncomfortable and calls it a truce.
better yet, you should just wear ugly clothes next time. or a scary halloween mask.
scratch that--kate's idea is probably best.
haha, great story! I have co-workers that go on and on about that kind of stuff - so annoying.
I'm not a morning person either.
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I like the start wearing ugly clothes idea! Then maybe she'll be too awkward to actually tell you that you really do look like a hillbilly in plaid, afterall.
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