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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should people in public facing roles be sensitive?

78 replies

FedUpParent · 19/03/2019 11:32

Title’s vague sorry I didn’t know how to word it.

Basically I’m an autistic adult with other mental health problems, today I was trying to travel alone on a train and missed my connection. I was very upset as my ticket had a specific time on it and said it couldn’t be used for another train (to buy another one would be £30-40).

A staff member approached me in the station as I was crying and abruptly asked what the matter was. I tried to explain that the train drove off as I was at the doors of it and I didn’t have another ticket and I was scared.

He said “well for gods sake you can use that one” I mentioned the exact time on the ticket, he says “it doesn’t matter that it’s for a different train just use it”. He didn’t say it in like a jokey tone but quite snappy (and loud) it appeared like he thought I was wasting his time. I made sure to thank him anyway and he stormed off without a word.

I’m quite self aware (when I calm down) and understand it probably did look ridiculous that I was crying. And maybe if he knew I was autistic he’d have been more understanding. I know some people haven’t got the patience for when someone seems overdramatic but I’ve now been hiding in a toilet for almost an hour wishing I’d never tried to do this Sad

Do you think someone who’s job is to interact with such a wide variety of people should be a bit more sensitive or AIBU coz obviously everyone has the right to get annoyed sometimes?

OP posts:
rosinavera · 20/03/2019 09:07

@pinkboa - as long as you're helpful and polite then it doesn't matter what you think!

rosinavera · 20/03/2019 09:17

@pinkboa - and if you could seriously be snappy with a distressed customer then what does that say about you? I'm sure your line manager would not be impressed!

BloodyDisgrace · 20/03/2019 11:24

I think he was an arsehole for being so abrupt, and to someone who is already crying. You weren't damaging anything, causing anyone any harm - so why be such a brute?
bellinisurge
While it is stressful for you, it is also stressful for me to deal with someone crying and in distress - bollocks. The stress of a crying person is incomparable to whatever state of mind of a calm person who isn't upset. People in public roles should be sensitive. Or just decent and humane.

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