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Original poster

Oh heck - Just lost it big time in Virgin

82 replies

Jimjams · 06/02/2004 15:00

Had a day off today. Ds1 is at nursery and my Mum has ds2, so decided to treat myself to a day in town.

Bought a CD in Virgin. The guy in front of me was returning a CD. He clearly had some problems and when asked to write down his name a address called over someone who was obviously his advocate. He turned and gave me a smile (and I don't mean that in a patronising way- it was a very genuine smile). Anyway I was standing there half thinking that if DS1 does really well then maybe he'll be able to live independently with help blah blah blah- the women behind the till was serving me at the same time.

Anwyay after the man had walked away she shot him a look as if she had trodden in something and said "I can't believe there are so many illiterate people around here"- whilst looking as if he was a piece of "sh". I had finshed paying so I gave her one of my "looks" (as dh would say) and walked off. Got outside thought "f this" and turned round, went back in and asked to speak to a manager. The manager came and I lost it! I mean really lost it- I was so angry* I was shaking and could hardly speak. I think it got to me as it was the thought that if ds1 grows up and can mabage as well as him I would be incredibly proud of him, and the thought that he could be spoken to in that way by a pig ignorant girl in Virgin had me seeing red.

Of course I should have gone away until I'd calmed down and then had words. Or I should have had calm words withthe girl herself. I just lost it. Eidsvold- I have so much admiration for you keeping it together in class that time!

OP posts:
Original poster
Jimjams · 06/02/2004 19:44

Just wish I could do cool calm collected mother from hell rather than insane ranting maniac mother from hell

Can't find an email address for the top man- but the website says emailed complaints are dealt with within 48 hours (assume that's working days) so I will see what the reply says.

OP posts:
hmb · 06/02/2004 19:53

Just kick ass Jimjams.

stupidgirl · 06/02/2004 20:05

Well done Jimjams, I agree that you did the right thing, wish I was that brave

Coddy · 06/02/2004 20:06

good for you JJ

God, what with My letter and your emil we will be professional complainers.

emmatmg · 06/02/2004 20:07

Well done JimJams, if it's any consolation I expect alot of us rant, scream and shout before our brains get in to gear but thats a good thing IMO

maryz · 06/02/2004 20:08

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fisil · 06/02/2004 20:09

Well done JJ. Well said.

tigermoth · 06/02/2004 20:54

That girl's comment is such a no no for anyone working in a customer facing environment - well anyone at all. Great idea to go to the top and contact Richard Branson himself. That anger you felt was entirely justified - you simply saw the truth of the situation.

twiglett · 06/02/2004 20:55

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Eulalia · 06/02/2004 21:14

Think you did the right thing.. just wish I could do something like that - I am usually too chicken to say anything, although I am getting braver. Sometimes it's best for these idiots to get a bit of a shock. Good on you.

aloha · 06/02/2004 21:44

Sweetheart, I know that adrenaline rush all too well! When I lose it, I lose it. But you know what, it gets results and gives you power. Good for you! They need to know that this sort of thing is vile and wrong and maybe it won't happen again. Write to Branson and you might even change the corporate culture. Anger is a powerful weapon used wisely.

crystaltips · 06/02/2004 22:08

Special Needs or not .... why are we ( the rest of them ) in so much of a hurry to judge and damn others

it does not take long to say a kind word or do a kind jesture ....

There was a recent thread ( too drunk to track it down ) which listed the value we all get in acts of kindness ...

I am trying ( in my own small way ) to make a TINY difference to someone elses day .... as often as I can.... It is purely selfish as it makes me feel better too !!

charliecat · 06/02/2004 22:34

Just remembered something similar that happened last week. Bloke in post office trying to get a bank account, not enough ID to cash his cheque/giro whatever, not enough ID to cash it been to bank, no help there, nothing the P.O could do either. No home address no I.D no money.
Man walks away shrugging his shoulders looking downhearted and beaten. Woman behind in the queue says " Dont know what hes moaning about he had a nice warm coat on" and I couldnt help but turn round and say that he had holes in his shoes.

jmb1964 · 06/02/2004 23:46

Well done Jimjams! Reminds me of the time we were asked to leave the deep end of the swimming pool becasue ds1 wasn't swimming a 'recognised stroke', and he went into meltdown, shortly followed by me.... Grrr!
I know exactly the blinding rage these things bring about, and agree with whoever said that the people on the other end of it will never forget.
Who needs blandness, anyway?
By the way, just logged on tonight, great news about your ds1's score

SueW · 07/02/2004 00:25

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

Davros · 07/02/2004 10:39

I agree with Crystaltips, I do lots of stuff to try to help other parents but part of the reason is that it makes MEEEE feel good and sometimes helps me too in practical ways. Its also the Irish fraction of my personality that makes me unable to pass up the chance of getting stuck in

Batters · 07/02/2004 21:37

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WideWebWitch · 07/02/2004 23:48

Absolutely Batters. Jimjams, you did the right thing.

bossykate · 08/02/2004 13:14

jimjams, people can be so crap, can't they? agree with batters, it might give them a wake up call.

eidsvold · 08/02/2004 19:51

Jimjams - told my mil whilst visiting today and she too said good for you - about time more people started speaking up....

beetroot · 08/02/2004 19:57

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Original poster
Jimjams · 08/02/2004 20:09

I should get the reply from virgin head office tomorrow.... If they stick to the times given in their website anyway.

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beetroot · 08/02/2004 20:12

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fio2 · 09/02/2004 09:50

well done jimjams and everyone else who stands there groundSmile

People just dont seem to have any patience anymore. I was in asda at the checkout and the man who was serving me was quite severly physically disabled. He had dropped some carriers on the floor and it took him about 5 minitues to bend over and pick them back up again. The people in the queue behind me were huffing and puffing, and pulling faces at him. He was very apologetic to me, I said dont worry, he then said there had been several complaints about him because he took too long scan the food items (?????) I felt so sorry for him.

I will say this for asda they do employ alot of physically disabled and learning disabled adults. Good on asda, even after my trolley incident that dh went mad about!

I am also glad I am not the only one who stands there thinking well if my dd turns out like that I'll be happyGrin

hana · 09/02/2004 10:20

good for you Jimjams, I would have been very upset and I think you did the right thing.
I take my students out on a Friday to a local supermarket and the staff are brilliant when we are there (secondary teenagers with severe/moderate learning difficluties) - they often have 50p or £1 to spend of their own and the till people are always very patient and understanding. It's the customers who aren't so understanding - often hear a lot of muttered comments about them, and the huffing and puffing when they are buying their treats. The students are so chuffed that they are doing it all by themselves! I get really angry, have even said things to some people who give those awful looks or glares or those that have commented. I hope the person who served that gentleman does get a reprimand and that you get a reply soon from the head office.
hana