Dear Service Industry Workers:

Thank you.

I know, at this time of year especially, people can - and will - treat you like garbage. I know that those of you who work in retail will be verbally abused from now until about the middle of January, and I know most of you will take it in stride. Some of you may snap, go into the back room, break something, and then try to go on with your day.

I know that healthcare workers are dealing with a heck of a lot right now - partially due to the whole H1N1 thing, partially due to the time of year, partially due to the fact that you're always dealing with one stupid thing or another.

I know that mechanics and everyone else in automotive are gearing up for what looks to be a snowy winter. I know that people do not call their mechanic until something is urgent, and it seems that everyone has something urgent at the exact same time. I know that you will be yelled at for what people believe to be exorbitant quotations - and people may beg "since it's Christmas" to get a better price.

I know that, for the most part, there is nothing you can do.

I know that telemarketers are in one of their busiest seasons, and I know that this means people are almost terrified to answer the phone. You will also be yelled at. (however, if you are snotty to me and hang up on me when I am trying to politely decline, I do not have any sympathy for you)

I know that everyone is struggling to come in under budget and ahead of schedule, and I know that most people are looking forward to at least a few days off in the coming months. I know that most of us have holiday shopping to get done, and this means that the malls are going to be clogged and traffic is going to be horrendous.

I know that, even if we work in the service industry ourselves, we can easily become angry with those who give us poor service - or slow service - in another situation.

I know that tensions run high right now.

I also know that it would be a good idea for every single person on the planet who plans to go to the malls during the holidays - or go to a restaurant during holiday party season - ought to be required to work retail (or food service) for at least one Christmas season. Alas, this is not likely to happen.

I hate to tell you to grin and bear it, but unfortunately that's all there is to be done. Rather than snap at the idiot customer who doesn't give a hoot that you have been working for ten hours straight, on your feet, running around for hundreds of other idiot customers or patients, smile politely and think of when you're done your shift. It may not make a difference to your idiot customer.

But it may make another customer (again, or patient) take note of how you are being treated, and how you are reacting. It may make another customer come in at a different time and treat you with respect and possibly even deference because you kept your cool.

It may make that other customer comment to your manager, about the work you have done. It may make someone sit up and take notice of the hard work that you do. Respect and recognition are things that you deserve, for the work that you do. But, unfortunately, these are often contingent on how you carry yourself in a stressful situation - such as working in a toy store the last few months before Christmas.

I, for one, thank you. And I apologize because I know there'll be times when I come across as not quite your favourite customer, but I will always try to treat you with respect. I've been there. I know what it's like.

Breathe deep, punch a garbage bin on your break if you have to (but if you do, wrap your hand in fabric first or you're going to scrape your knuckles - take my word for this) and you'll get through it. If you start reciprocating your customers' snottiness, nothing good will come of the situation - I can promise you that.

It's only another two months.

Thanks again. Good luck!

~Me