If one more shop assistant, hair dresser or anyone else in the service industry ask this I might scream

[kittypop]

Are you organised? Everywhere you go - doesn't matter where. Has any man ever been asked this. It's getting on my wick now.

I must have a genuine resting bitch face, I never get bothered about shop assistants or others. It's a bit of a worry that even the hairdressers don't really talk to me. Sadly people at work are not afraid to natter and waste my time!

I was just talking to someone the other day about how I've never been asked 'what are you doing for Christmas' by randoms as much as I have this year!

I find it irritating as I'm not a fan of small talk but I know they are just making conversation so I'll usually just reply 'Oh the usual! What about you?' And turn it back on them.

Bigonesmallone3 are you organised ha ha.

They're expected to make an attempt at conversation, but they can't ask anything meaningful or probing. These pointless openers are all they have, so I do them a small favour and respond. It's no skin off my nose, but it might be enough to show their manager they're trying to do all that's required of them.

twattymctwatterson that's a bit of a low blow. Do you work in the service industry or is that a point of view you have yourself? I always chat to the people serving me and I certainly don't think anyone is better/worse than anyone else.

Opportunity to invent a different lifestyle?
“Yes, all sorted, suitcases packed and off to the Bermuda on Friday- back on the 10th of January.”
“No, always do my Christmas shopping at four o’clock on Christmas Eve at the petrol station.”
“Well, the staff have been instructed in their duties, so all under control.”
“All presents bought at the January sales, wrapped and under the tree since Bonfire night, all food done in September and in the freezer, booze bought on the ferry in the summer, all that’s left to get is a lettuce and some clementines. You?”
“Yes/no (as appropriate). You?”

Yeah we have to make inane small talk with people. Really we dont give a shit and barely listen to the reply.

@kittypop
Jheez I wish people would fuck off with that question 🤭

No I joke, I'm currently wrapping presents with a mini break every 5 mins to go on MN.
Have a shit load of wrapping to do and a little more shopping then I'm done..
On reflection.. I am not organised!

I work in the service industry. We have to say something, it's our job! Why be so offended "Yes thanks, we're having a quiet one this year. Merry Christmas" is all you need to reply. Calm down and be kind to people working to serve you! They'll be working over Xmas, often on minimum wage.

twattymctwatterson and by the way one of my son's works in a shop as he can't get a job after Uni - I am friendly with all his colleagues and chat away to them.

Bah humbug to you op, they are just being friendly. Merry Christmas

FadedRed absolutely brilliant - I'm making up fibs for next year - unfortunately can't lie to colleagues - they know me too well! I really want something to show off about

I don't mind it at all when it's the run up, but my hairdresser asked me 'are you all organised for Christmas?' in mid-November which was a bit odd.

Even friends ask - feel like say no I've done fecking nothing and none of you are getting any presents.

Yes, I’m organised. Are you?

While tedious for you, it is beyond boredom for the retail worker.

It's shite, actually.

Don't be so bloody grumpy!

Are you ready for Christmas by the way?

CleverWittyUsername same here - and I saw Christmas decorations up in September in some shops!

twattymctwatterson and by the way one of my son's works in a shop as he can't get a job after Uni - I am friendly with all his colleagues and chat away to them.

Umm. He does have a job.

I'm a hypocrite because I always answer "yes, nearly, how about you?" I don't really care whether they are or aren't.

It’s just something you say when you have nothing else to say, it’s not patriarchy.

At this time of year, it just replaces ‘any plans for the weekend?’

Someone asked me this the other day I said no and I asked her if she was, it turned out she was being treated for cancer and told me all about her chemo. Made me feel lucky and decided to stop stressing if I have presents sorted.

choli that's my point. I have worked in a shop and would never look down on a shop worker - they have to be friendly as do I at work. I admire anyone that works - it's not easy in the current climate and shop work can be thankless. For the record I am always polite and friendly - people in shops are working longer and longer hours for not a lot of money. I know it's no picnic. My post was meant to be lighthearted.

EspressoButler well done you - I suppose it does give an opportunity to talk about something else. I'm also aware that for some people shopping is the only interaction they might have all day.