To dislike people commenting on what you are buying?

[Paddingtonscare]

Im aware this might be an anxiety/ autism thing about being perceived but I really hate it!

I work in a town center with multiple shops around me, and I have a bit of a routine around buying certain items/ food. Its not everyday or a set day but probably once or twice a week.

First a shop worker basically said "oh you are always buying these", and i found it awkward but changed shop when she said something else similar.

Then a shop worker in shop 2 said "oh you are late today" so I decided to go to a chain shop for a bit more anonymity

Then shop 3 today asked me about why I had different items to usual

Ironically all three shops were commenting about different items!

Would this put other people off? Or is this a normal part of going once a week to a shop?

I once bought for 10p a French Stick (baguette) which I planned to use for croutons. The cashier was rude enough to say infront of other customers, who all turned to look at me, "oh you'll break your teeth on this, it's as hard as rock". Now I may have only been able to afford 10p for something to eat that day so he really should have kept his mouth shut.

Im really glad it's not just me!
It just feels intrusive somehow. Obviously I responded politely to the people but mostly then avoided going back.

Maybe I will have to get my caffeine fix on a rotation! I would 100% go for self checkout if there was an option

You’re not alone, OP. I hate my purchases being commented on, too.

Very well said. Life happens, we choose how to react, how we see it.

I couldn’t care less about this. I wouldn’t give it a second thought.

I actually used to work with someone on the checkout who never said a word to customers other than hello, £x please and bye and you wouldn't the amount of complaints he got for being rude, unfriendly etc. The poor staff can't win.

Did you mean to be that classy?

I don't understand? Is there a class requirement for this discussion about whether or not small talk is acceptable? We're on a message board not in a fancy restaurant I'm sure you can handle a bit of slang 😇

I’m so torn. I love a chat and so wouldn’t want that to stop, but I totally agree that it’s uncomfortable when someone passes comment on what you’re buying, especially if others are around. It’s could be a bit vulnerable sharing all the details of what you’re purchasing (toilet rolls, sweets, stamps, whatever) and I would prefer if there was an understanding that chat should not include the stuff you’re buying.

I am quite chatty naturally, so I rarely have cashiers comment on what I’m buying, but I think that’s because I’ve usually preempted them with my own inane chat first

Wouldn’t bother me
Just an accurate observation

You’re obviously happy to come across as crass. I’ll leave you to it.

Yes I don't worry about what strangers think about me regarding unimportant matters, which is honestly something which might vastly improve the lives of most people on this thread.

Quite right. I’m sure there are lots of pearls you need to go and clutch.

I think there's a fine line between micro connections which are actually good for us, and intrusiveness.

I hate it when they look at your debit card and then call you by name. Yes, that happened and the staff were told to do it as good service. Doesn't happen now.

If a clothes sales assistant says that's a lovely top you are buying...I think they say that to everyone and it's just annoying.

I don't mind a chat about if the new biscuits out are nice...or recommendations when they are genuine.

I quite like seeing people on their routines. Regular customers, regular commuters. Micro connections....saying good morning to the same sales assistant, waving at a neighbour.

You might be able to change your body language/facial expressions to discourage it if it bothers you. Act distracted, engrossed, in a rush. Be more standoffish

It’s just small talk. You’re not obligated to reply with honesty. Ultimately, being a part of a community where people recognise your patterns is a layer of personal safety as much as anything.

‘You’re always buying these’ - Yes, I love them! Have a great day!

’You’re later today’ - Gosh, I don’t know where the day has gone - have a great day!

‘you’re not buying your usual items’ - Mixing it up, I like to live life on the edge. Have a great day!

They’re just recognising you as a regular. Most people would call it good customer service.