Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel really wound up by shop assistant in Boots?

125 replies

BeckyHelen · 12/03/2008 01:13

The other week I had what I thought would be an uneventful trip into the chemist with my 21mnth old dd to get some vitimin drops and a few other things. It was a fairly cold day and like you do, ensured my dd was well wrapped up with thick coat, hat and footmuff. But common sense automatically kicks in when I go into a warm shop, and I automatically removed her hat when I got inside so she wouldn't start feeling uncomfortable and hot.

I went to pay for the things and I saw the last shop assistant I wanted to be served by to be quite honest, as I have been at the end of her cheeky and patronising tongue before over the "benefits of the Boots Advantage Card, and how I should really have one as you can save, etc etc and it's silly how I've missed out today".

There was no other assistant so I had no choice but to go to her. As soon as I put the things on the counter she was off "They are 3 for the price of 2 at the moment, you just as well go and get 2 more and save money" so off I trot while dd is at counter with shop assistant, only a small shop so I was still very nearby. Then I hear her talk to dd "Good, vitimins to keep you well in the cold winter months, that's what you need" I return to the counter, with S.A leaning over the counter staring at dd:"You ought to have that hat on, on a day like this, like they say by keeping it on you keep it in" errr, but I thought, we are inside at the moment we are not outside! It was not even an issue. I was getting more and more irritated with her, it was none of her business anyway, she didn't know me from Adam!

Then she said: "I've made sure I bought my big warm coat to work today" Then as I went to walk out I said,rubbing it in, "Right then Grace, lets put your hat on to keep you nice and warm" while she had now come from behind the counter and was standing right next to me watching every move I made. She THEN said "Look at you, all nice and snug and warm" At this point I couldn't wait to get back outside just to get away from her, I was just about to push the pushchair out of the shop when she PIPED UP "I wouldn't hang around for long out there today if I were you, it's not nice"!!!!!FFS It was none of her business how long I stayed out. I just could not believe what a cheeky, nosey and patronising woman she was.

I vow never to be served by her again, even if she's the only one in the shop. Next time if she's the only one serving I will go into the chemist next door. Surely a shop assistant should do their job by serving you at the counter and maybe just have a light, unintrusive, un-patronising chat, and leave it to that. I personally would not have the nerve to speak to someone who I didn't even know in that way. She must of been in her late 50's or something.Who the hell did she think she was, my mother!? And I think some of them think they have the right to speak to you like that if they think you are young and stupid! I am 28 and CERTAINLY NOT STUPID!!!!I'm sorry I've ranted on, but for a shop assistant she is extremely wearing.

OP posts:
MyMummiesAScummyMummy · 12/03/2008 08:05

I also think that she was just being friendly, obviously shes not you're 'type' of person,give her a break.

NorthernLurker · 12/03/2008 08:07

YABU - she said nothing offensive. Come to that - you don't know what her history is - she may never have had children of her own or have lost a grandchild. Be glad someone takes an interest you - there are plenty who will serve you in a shop and carry on talking to a colleague throughout - now that does wind me up!

BeMyLilBaby · 12/03/2008 08:09

I think she sounds nice, perhaps she was just trying to make convo, has the OP had a bad day or is OP naturally a bit narky??

DontCallMeBaby · 12/03/2008 08:10

Even on this thread, 'am I being unreasonable?', people get a kick out of ... ever so politely suggesting you are being unreasonable. Gosh, how uncalled-for.

You are being unreasonable. Nah, didn't get much of a kick out of that. It was too easy.

2sugars · 12/03/2008 08:10

NL, that crossed my mind too, but I couldn't put it the right way.

UniversallyChallenged · 12/03/2008 08:58

Oh, I get it

At first i thought it was a serious thread, but it's obviously another "Cod" thread thing

Good one OP!

MyMummiesAScummyMummy · 12/03/2008 09:01

Is it a challenge thread?

egypt · 12/03/2008 09:06

where has the op gone? surely not a challenge thread. far to everyday for that?

egypt · 12/03/2008 09:07

too everyday

FluffyMummy123 · 12/03/2008 09:08

Message withdrawn

themildmanneredjanitor · 12/03/2008 09:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

turquoise · 12/03/2008 09:15

Seriously? This was a big deal for you?

freak

Chatty old dear trying to be helpful.

YABU.

Pretty sure it's a challenge though.

TsarChasm · 12/03/2008 09:15

Blimey Charlie

littlelapin · 12/03/2008 09:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

themildmanneredjanitor · 12/03/2008 09:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Alambil · 12/03/2008 09:20

Hope you don't fall off your high horse in this wind.... very dangerous to be up so high ya know - only way is down!!

YABU and precious and frankly, rude yourself - you don't post on here if you don't want people to disagree with you.

And why still worry about it WEEKS later?!!! Seriously, if this is all you have to worry about for so long, your life must be pretty damn cushy

MrsJohnCusack · 12/03/2008 09:20

yes I thought this MUST be a wind up

and so rare to see a thread like this in my day time

I hope it is a windup, but I also hope shakeysgirl is OK because that was sooooo rude

themildmanneredjanitor · 12/03/2008 09:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GetOrfMoiLand · 12/03/2008 09:30

Calm down dear! (to OP)

SlartyBartFast · 12/03/2008 09:31

rofl

how very dare she put a hat on your child... you know best after all.

lillypie · 12/03/2008 09:37

Isn't a shop assistant good enough to speak to you and your DD?

Wuxiapian · 12/03/2008 09:38

I don't understand why you'd get wound up by someone, who it seems, was just trying to be friendly.

Did she actually hurt you or your DD?

ArmadilloDaMan · 12/03/2008 09:42

dear god are you hormonal?

Mildly irritating at best, but she was just trying to be nice.

Joolyjoolyjoo · 12/03/2008 09:48

I think you are being a bit unreasonable! She was probably just trying to be friendly, some people can't help it! I get it all the time when out with my kids, but it really doesn't bother me- there is far more to worry about in life!
Look on the bright side- at least she's not your MIL(is she?)

SlartyBartFast · 12/03/2008 09:51

op has gone.

??????