I am not going to write about our right as a customer in purchasing, that you can figure things out. But what I am going to share here is about our manner.
Customers always right. Mmmm, yeah. However, does this means that it is okay to be rude to the other person of the opposite side? Is there any given right to say that it's okay to not acknowledge them just because we are paying for it?
I always believe in the power of being courteous to other people. No, I'm not saying that I'm such angelic, I don't get grumpy. How hard is it to say 'thank you' to the waiter that comes and help us clear our table? How hard is it to say "welcome" when the KFC guy give us thanks? Is it okay to buat muka bodoh after the waitress helped to open the door because she saw you struggling with a tray full with meals at the KFC restaurant?
This little stuff, most Malaysian take it for granted. I have to be honest, sometimes I do not see much of "Courteous Malaysians" here. I am not saying that all of us have the bad accused attitude, but majority does. I was in those majority group 3 years back (before I met The Hubby). Courteous for me, happened only when I'm with my family and fellow friends.
Anyway, back to my story. I do not get it when the tourists tell people that Malaysian are courteous. I was in US few months back, and boy I had a shock.
The people in the servicing line were way friendlier than us here. Everyone seem to enjoy their time at every store. And the fact that the cashiers would try to create a small conversation and greet us good night before we leave, it got me feeling that the gap between their business custom and us, are far apart. And same goes to the customers, they were all tolerant and respect each others space. Everyone is treated equally.
Whereas here? I can always feel someone's breathe at my neck almost everytime I queue up for anything. Come on! Stop being a kiasu already. No one is ever going to cut your line if you move back 2 steps.
Maybe.... fine. Maybe we are not ready yet to be too friendly to the cashier boy who's standing behind the counter taking our order. But why the frown? A little smile won't hurt. It doesn't matter if it's a 5 star restaurant or kedai runcit Ah Kau, so what if he won't smile back? What is there to do if he had 7 frowny customers before you. He deserves a little boost for the day, and that can come from you.
I know this entry is all fumbled with words. It's been a while since I last blog and I apologise. This coming weekday is going to be a very busy day for me and my colleagues as my lab is going to go through ISO audit. Wish us luck!
And oh! Start the "thank you" and give space to the person in front of you while queuing up for anything. Our comfort zone for Malaysian ( Data source from an ex- UN negotiator) is 3 feet. I want my own zone.
