You know what I think? "Time for work!"
I've been learning a lot now that I work at a local hardware store, some good, some bad. I have been seeing how men view women, why, in my opinion, men are easier to work with, and how people react when they don't have a clue what their talking about!
Saturdays have the more unhappy costumers.Why? Because its their weekend after a long, hard week of work and the last thing they want to hear is "James, go fix the sink! It keeps making odd noises!" Go and help him then, guys get energized when they're women's working along side them.Now, when a guy sends a girl to pick something up, say a screw, please give her over and above information about what she's looking for. Girls generally don't know a thing about hardware, so please help her along. So many ladies come in and say, "I need a screw!" Great! We have lots. What kind? A wood screw, deck, sheet metal screw, self trapping screw, Phillips, star head, pan head, and on and on. Guys, help your lady out so she knows what she's supposed to get.
When people, men and women, don't know what it is they are looking for, they do one of three things: get defensive, laugh and say they don't know anything in an acquired way, or admit they don't know what they need and are willing to learn.
Defense: most people who automatically attack and demand my coworkers and I to fetch whatever they need are the elderly, no offense. Everyone does it, but these people do it the most. It is very frustrating and difficult to try and help someone who is in my face about what they want and they want it now! I'm trying to help, not tell you that you're stupid.
The awkward people: they have low self esteem and assume they, and everyone else around them, think they're stupid. They're not, but they act like it.Very apologetic, shy, and not really wanting help (God forbid if anyone saw they didn't know something!) I get it though, I used to be like that. Not any now. (whoopwhoop!!!)
Confidant: my favorite customers are the ones that instantly say they don't know what they're looking for and they are ok with that. They are willing to learn and are enjoyable to be with. I respect them a lot more and am more willing to help.
(So hidden message: be confidant!)
Lastly, if you see a girl working at a hardware store, and you think she's cute, please don't give her the googly-eyed look. There's nothing more unnerving then for a man old enough to be my dad/grandpa, to undress me with his eyes. Thank you for finding me pretty, but please don't do that.
So they're you have it! The ways of a hardware store through the eyes of a young woman. Its a really good job, to be honest. I like my crazy coworkers and boys are always fun to work with. They always come up with the oddest things to do, like have a war with wrung up rags or throw pens at each other. Fun stuff. All the time. Go to a hardware store and see for yourself.
