Deep Thinking

 posted this elsewhere first. But I think it's got some interesting observations about myself. (I learn about the puzzle of myself best by discussing various topics)

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I can't speak for anyone else, but i was extremely sheltered growing up. I was never taught pretty much anything socially. (Which includes the whole 'manners' thing among many many other things.) I was told "You have food, you have shelter, that's better than most people, and you should shut up be grateful for that"

Needless to say, I have extreme issues working correctly in the social aspect offline. Working in retail and being FORCED to say "thank you" on the intercom seemed extremely weird to me.... So when people say "Thank you" to me, it seems really weird, and I often have to process WHY they said thank you, and saying something like "You're welcome" back seems incredibly weird to me. It's like.. what the heck does "You're welcome" mean!? 

"You are welcome" How can i tell someone what they are? They are welcome? To what? Welcome to have me do something that deserves their thanks? It seems rude to me to tell someone how welcome they are or not, but I didn't grow up with it, so I think of these things literally.

I think it upsets people, but it feels really weird to me, and it would make the situation like 9003x more awkward if i told someone that just thanked me how welcome I think they feel.

I'd rather say "Anytime" which means, I will help them out "anytime" they need. or "Yep", which I guess i learned from others where I first worked. Even though "Yep" makes no sense, that's 'what i grew up with'... I guess like how most of you grew up with "You're welcome".

Either way. The English language is weird.. and I like to study it and how it's used.. and engage in lots of word play. I'm a nerd and enjoy such solo activities since I fail at socializing with others, lol. 

I love my customers!!! It's why I take the lower paying jobs with the customers instead of the higher paying office jobs. I like to hear everyone's story. I love with customers talk to me, or make jokes. I like to go above and beyond and help them with things they may need, or even give them a bonus, or a hint. "Hey did you know.. you can get this thing like this? It's not advertised, but you may be interested!"

Often times people are interested.. and when I tell em about stuff they never knew about.. . It makes them really happy... and it makes me feel really good.

So yes, the smiles, the stories, telling me your life story... as a customer service employee, I love it! (Maybe it's because I never got any life stories growing up. *Shrug*)

(I also deeply appreciate the whole getting off the cell phone when trying to talk with me thing, lol :3) 

Yeah, to me "Anytime" seems a lot better. When you look up the definition to "You're Welcome" it says "Ritual response to 'thank you'". If something's a ritual... a trained response... doesn't it sort of... lose it's meaning?

Another thing - When I cashier, I never ask someone "How are you?" It seems like a personal question, something impeding, something forceful. "I want to know how you are doing. Tell me all about it." Do you really want to know? Or is it one of those "Trained Responses"? It's true, I do want to know... and If I can help, I really want to. But I don't want to force someone to tell me.. So I let them tell me if they like.

I hate when someone asks me "how are you?" when I am feeling bad. I can lie and say "I'm ok" (I refuse to lie to people) or I can literally tell them what's wrong and probably blow them away, as well as hold up the line.. and then they are literally standing there stunned and have no idea what to say. It just seems like a bad question to ask a stranger. 

I usually opt to say "Well... I'm here at least" if I'm feeling bad, lol.

I HAVE had customers tell me their life stories about what is wrong before. I literally set aside some time (or even offer to stay after I've clocked out) to go to a quiet place in the store and talk about it with them. I feel honored that they feel like they can trust me for advice and a person to vent to. It's extremely hard to upset or offend me (Unless someone is being a blatant jerk) So I encourage my co-workers and customers to come to me if they ever need to talk. 

Here's the kicker - I suck at initiating casual conversation, and I'm extremely shy. I can't even make friends.. but my customers love me, and often ask for me (Sometimes get running hugs "OMG YOURE WORKING TODAY! HORRAY!")

Just another day... in the life of an aspie.