Damus
Lyn Alden profile picture
Lyn Alden
@LynAlden
Had an interesting interaction with a cashier today.

This young man in his 20s was ringing people up. His voice and mannerisms were basically like Napoleon Dynamite.

In front of me, the customer said “thank you, have a good day” and he said back “that would be impossible, but you have a good day ma’am.” I was only half paying attention so I assumed I misheard.

He then rang my products up as I focused on packing my bags. I pay and say basically “thanks, have a good day”. He says, “that would be impossible ma’am, but you have a good day.”

I paused, hearing the repeated statement. He started scanning the next customer’s items. Part of me wanted to ask why it’s impossible to have a nice day. It’s so specific. But doing so would interrupt his focus on the next customer. I took my bags, walked out, and looked back a couple times.

In hindsight, I wish I’d asked. That would be more important than risking the next customer’s checkout time by a couple minutes.

Next time I’m at the supermarket, I’m going to do a scan of the cashiers to see if he’s among them.
581❤️86🤙23❤️9🫂3💜2🧡1
Clarkian · 52w
Looking forward to the followup on this
The Bitcoin Street Journal · 52w
https://media.tenor.com/d9LPx2gE3bkAAAAC/napoleon-dynamite-skills.gif
kriegalex⚡ · 52w
I don't think most people have yet realized that most men in his age ARE in fact sad and lonely. It has become normal. Call it how you want, find it ok or not, an excuse or not, it exists. It started as a dating crisis in Japan, now it's everywhere.
Reed · 52w
Probably a dot eth 😂
HoloKat · 52w
Sounds like he hates being there.
Cpt. Charisma · 52w
He can't have a good day because no one will listen to his long-winded rambling story about why he is having a bad day, even though he constantly hints at it.
It's Moro! · 52w
Please do! Curious as well
n0>1 signals bip110 · 52w
I had a similar experience recently. I felt sad for the kid. But also, I feel like maybe this is a step up from pretending to be happy all day.
Figash · 52w
https://image.nostr.build/e5de9af4308e999e4a7341396a5fdc042a614867aeec0cf065f9c13a4e5a81dc.jpg https://image.nostr.build/d52214481f7c851cc544b653d1c8ca75eac82104866c48fecdf2d996c4fa4474.jpg
John sati · 52w
Most people live in their bubble and don’t listen to this kid, he probably is hoping someone would just be willing to listen to him for a couple of minutes, it might mean the world to him
Bewlay · 52w
It’s a bit like McDonalds …. You say “no fries” but they still say “fries with that?”. It’s Pavlovian
BDC · 52w
Bravo to that guy Personal honesty takes courage Especially in a world that doesn’t want to hear it. That wants you to 100% pretend and STFU
HappyHusky1 · 52w
Whatever he meant, I like it more than the “my pleasure” Chick Fill it forced reply with complimentary eye roll.
Narwhal Tacos · 52w
I really appreciate hearing this anecdote. I have a laundry-list of tiny interactions with people in which I realize I wasn’t really present to engage them when I could have been. Not because I’m special, or better, but because they seemed to need engagement. I continually use these small regre...
Catoshi Meowkamoto · 52w
Sounds like typical "victim mentality" - only bad things happen to me, I take zero responsibility for anything and I can't do anything to turn things around, so I won't even try.
The Bitcoin Bang · 52w
Engaging “strangers” is a sign of a healthy person and society.
Toby McMann · 52w
Thanks, and have a nice day! 🤣
Jimmy · 52w
Maybe he feels it's impossible to have a good day while he's working. Most people hate their jobs.
MajesticQ · 52w
Kids today feel so disempowered and worthless compared to their elders.
₿oniz23⚡️🏴‍☠️🇮🇹 · 52w
Hi lyn 🤟😉🏴‍☠️ That’s a fascinating interaction. Sometimes, the smallest things people say can reveal so much about their perspective or mindset. It’s intriguing that he chose to repeat that specific phrase. Maybe it’s a reflection of how he views the world perhaps a form of dry ...
bellsov · 52w
I wonder if they're doing that to see if anyone is actually paying attention to the response.
Dreamer · 52w
Maybe he ran out of chapstick? Or maybe he ate all his pocket tots? Or maybe Tina the fat lard lama wouldn’t eat her goulash?
Erik · 52w
💜💜💜
Bitcoin Ranger · 52w
Thanks for sharing. I have definitely tended to “undershoot” when it comes to these types of social interactions. The risk of overstepping seems so high, but the reality is there’s far more risk to not engaging. The number of amazing people that have walked in and out of our lives without us e...
The Catfather · 52w
It’s an interesting situation. While for some people it’s possible to ‘simply’ reframe one’s outlook toward something more positive, if the thoughts weighing him down are deeply felt existential or empathetic melancholy there can sometimes be a sense of duty in remaining in that state. A ...
Cole Albon · 52w
As a middling software developer recently turned cashier/day laborer, I can relate. I suggest this question posed to me by a regular customer recently: "If you could change one thing to turn that frown upside down, what would it be?"
Weird Mike Jerkovic · 52w
a test if people actually listen...
helpfuljoe · 52w
In an alternate universe, nostr:nprofile1qqsw4v882mfjhq9u63j08kzyhqzqxqc8tgf740p4nxnk9jdv02u37ncpzpmhxue69uhh2uewwf38ytnzd9hsz9rhwden5te0dehhxarjwdshganp9ehx2aqe0kllv you are walking out and wishing you hadn’t asked, and hoping he’s not there next time. 🧐
helpfuljoe · 52w
Young cashiers are either Napoleon or Donnie Darko
Deleted Account · 52w
He has low test I’m sure … soft cup cake ass generation
Danny 👾 · 52w
Sounds like someone needs a dose of freedom. Maybe he is a socialist.
jgbtc · 52w
Anyone with that mindset isn't worth your time.
Snotklap · 52w
This cashier, in his odd way, resists the mechanical social rituals, driven by herd values meant to avoid discomfort and maintain a facade of harmony. He doesn't lash out or rage... he just refuses to participate in the lie. That dry, almost absurd honesty is a quiet act of rebellion against the sha...
Not a Polar Bear · 52w
I have a distant memory that Stephen Fry, when told to “Have a good day.” replied (or was it threatened to reply?): “Don’t tell me what kind of a day to have.” Something you grumpy old men can keep tucked away for when the occasion deserves it.
Kush · 51w
Please do