Everyone Is Sorry
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- mg33
From people in service industry jobs, why is the most common phrase out of their mouth "I'm sorry about..."??
Sorry about the wait, sorry that took so long, etc. etc. etc. when it really didn't.
Anyone notice this frequently especially from younger people in service industry jobs?
Are most people so impatient that it's created this sense of instant apology for no reason by people doing services for them? I notice it all the time. EX: trying on clothes two nights ago, no one was at the fitting rooms, no big deal, someone came over soon after and the first thing they said was "I'm sorry... let me get a room for you."
No "hello." No "how are you this evening?" but "I'm sorry." Shouldn't they know that I'm upset with something before even saying that? It's kind of like admitting guilt when no one has accused you of anything."
What's up with that?
- planet010
I'm sorry
- Jaline0
Because "the customer is always right".
- dirtydesign0
What do suggest as an alternative?
- ian0
Im not sorry. Thats right, not one bit. But then, I have very poor judgement.
- ********0
you are going to be
- PromotionalUseOnly0
I seem to spend a lot of time apologising for how long something is taking when i've said there is more to it than they think... I'm building a flash site at the moment in under 2 weeks... and rather than have the html page enough to support the content, i have to make the whole bleeding thing!
- bulletfactory0
that's why i try not to immediately slow down when i see a highway patrol car;
admission of guilt.
- CALLES0
i', sorry about the service industry phrase
- mg330
As an alternative, I think people just shouldn't always assume customers are mad or negative about something. "I'm sorry" is just no way to greet someone when they may not even be mad about anything.
It's just irritating. Maybe I'm more passive than most, but that's not what I expect to hear from people for such minor lapses in time or getting something or helping me out.
- blackspade0
Girl at Subway keep doing this today, so sorry for the wait.... huh ive been here like 20 seconds and I still dont know what I want yet.
- nikdaum0
I think it's because there are some crazy impatient people out there that like to take power trips when they shop. The "sorry"s are to avoid these people blowing up in the store.
- Jaline0
It could just be a reflexive thing after a while too. No matter how many nice customers you get, the worst ones can ruin your day and that's what you tend to remember at the end (depending on your personality type). Especially in fast food, where things are supposed to be out within a set time.
- mg330
I might start calling people on it when they do this. If I have smoke coming out my ears and I look mad, then apologize. Otherwise, I'm doing fine.
- d_rek0
I've worked in FSI for a number of years in various positions(waiter/bartender/manag... and don't ever apologize unless absolutely necessary; it's just a way of admitting defeat. Always have told my co-workers this too. Don't apologize if you've done nothing wrong, that just gives people the upper hand into thinking they're 'right'. Certain people will walk all over you the first time 'i'm sorry' comes out of your mouth. I try to offer an explanation rather than an apology and if that doesn't fly then try to work something out. The customer ISN'T always right.
- Of course not. It's just a tactic to make them come back for more.Jaline
- clickblipclick0
So what, now people should apologize for saying sorry?
- mrdobolina0
It must be painful living your life inside of an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
- designbot0
I would rather have people be apologetic then straight-up rude. Some young kids have no respect, sit there and talk on their cell phones while helping you. Or try and cop some attitude with you because they have an ego problem.
- mg330
To clarify - if something obviously took too long, or if I look mad, or I'm huffing and guffing, then acknowledge that you took a long time.
But using "I'm sorry" as a greeting when there's no reason to is absurd. At least let a customer say something or make a gesture first to determine if there is a reason.