Working in retail has provided me with many interesting encounters with many different types of people. Most of the people I deal with are polite, well educated and well mannered. However, I’ve learned that people of all walks of life generally handle one thing the same way – not getting what they want. Last week I had a phone conversation with a customer. She wanted a discount on an order, but I warned her it might not be possible for various reasons (which I explained). She went through the roof! She loudly detailed her reasons why she deserved the discount, after which I explained (again) that I was only the person processing the order and had no authority to grant her request. That was followed by another period of anger and disgust. She was so annoyed with my “refusal to help her” that she demanded the name of my supervisor.
A few minutes later, I learned that that the discount would be available. I was not looking forward to talking with her again. As soon as she picked up, I immediately told her the good news. The difference in the tone of her voice was so profound that I honestly thought I’d dialed the wrong customer! It was amazing the change that came over her, just from hearing that she was getting her way. She never apologized for her prior ugliness – I doubt she even realized how she had behaved.
Does this sound like an exchange between you and your spouse? Does your tone change depending on how things are going? Are you happier and easier to live with when you’re getting your way? Does your husband often “give in” to you, just because he doesn’t want to deal with the consequences of displeasing you?
I have to admit – that is true of me so much more often than I’d like for it to be. Proverbs 12:16 says, “The vexation of a fool is known at once.” In contrast, the beautiful example of a godly woman in Proverbs 31 describes her as having kindness on her tongue (v. 26). I’m sure our husbands would much rather live with the kind woman instead of the vexed fool!
How do you respond when you don’t get your way? I’ll let you make the application of what “not getting your way” looks like in your relationship. I’m not saying we shouldn’t share our opinions or have a say in what happens at home – I’m just suggesting we take a look at how we express those things.
And be nice to customer service associates. 🙂
Come Home For Comfort 
I don’t work retail (and I never have to deal with customers face-to-face, which I’m thankful for) but I do deal with unhappy customers a lot and I have the same sorts of conversations all the time! It’s crazy how they can be so rude and then once you tell them what they want to hear they act like your best friend. I hope I don’t do that! I’m going to pay close attention to that because of this post, so thank you!
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Hi Mattie – it’s amazing how crazy people can act sometimes! I’m trying to learn from their bad examples and hopefully not mirror what they do. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
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Excellent post and so true! As an older woman, I do feel that I’ve gained much spiritual maturity over the years and I do understand that when God doesn’t allow things to go the way I’d hoped, there is always — as Arlene said — a reason. In fact, I can pretty much echo Arlene’s entire comment. Sadly, I do still see older women, even older Christian women, who still can’t handle not getting their own way in a mature fashion.
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You’re right – it’s all about maturity and a calm understanding that God always does what’s best. That helps us respond to trials – big and minute – in a kind way!
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Dealing with the public is one of the biggest struggles I’ve had to get used to with my job. It’s so frustrating but I’ve learned to just let certain things slide and try my best to not take it personally.
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I’m trying to learn from people and make sure that I’m not mirroring their behavior. It’s easy to be shocked and horrified at how people behave – but it can be just as horrifying to think about how I respond to similar situations! I’m praying I will be the one with kindness on my tongue instead of the raging fool!
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Well that is one area I do feel I have matured in over the years. As a 60 year old, I realize if I do not get my way, there is a reason. When I was 30 I was more determined to get my way through pouting etc. As I look back over my life, I see that when I wanted my own way( especially in regards to getting a certain house i was bound and determined to get) it might have been better to let my husband make that decision. I guess this is an area that many people struggle with and if they have no spiritual moorings, they see things in a very different way.
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You’re right – people who don’t know the Lord view life so differently. I’m praying my knowledge of Him will help me act like I should!
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