Returned to Russia from the USA: what strikes our people in their homeland

My third day in Rostov after California. I run into the store in the evening. Card, as luck would have it, left at home. The amount of the purchase is 320 rubles ($ 4,2). I am holding out a 5th bill. A small cashier woman in a burgundy uniform looks intently at me, then at the bill, again at me.

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A loud long sigh.

“Mzzst !!” - she clicks long, annoyed.

Again he looks at me, in his small brown eyes, with grayish circles from lack of sleep flickering discontent. It’s like a princess in a golden dress, which was served with a cherry biscuit instead of a blueberry. All the action has been going on for about a minute. The man in the queue also grunts with displeasure and whispers to his wife: “I got a traffic jam here at the ticket office!”

I understand the saleswoman is uncomfortable. Apparently, there is no change. But why do I need these emotions?

“If you don’t have a bargain now, tell me. I’ll just refuse the purchase, I’ll come after with the card, everything is in order, ”I say calmly.

Perplexity flashes on his tired face.

“What am I? Did I tell you something ?! Now I’m going to change it at the next cash desk, why do you react like that right away, ”says the saleswoman.

On the subject: Almost 20 years of study: how a Ukrainian woman opened a dental center in the USA

Indeed, she did not say in words. But one species and "mzzsts" was enough. And this is very strange after the USA, where it is not customary to show a bad mood to another person. Especially to the buyer. I remember my device did not accept my card, but instead the seller reassured me and apologized. People in line were quietly waiting, no one even grunted.

But, as my grandmother used to say, you are not there. And what I am convinced once again: it’s easy to smile at customers when it’s usual from childhood, it’s in the mentality. When you know that the salary is enough for products with a rental, and at a cafe, and at the entrance to Disneyland. And it’s completely different - when you think how to get out, hold out on this money.

The woman returns with a bargain. I thank her, I apologize. The wrinkled face is suddenly lit up by a weak, tortured smile.

“And forgive me, girl, I’m not out of malice. I’ve been sitting here for ten hours, I have a headache, but they can’t let me go, my colleague is sick,” says the woman.

The original column is published in blog "Dumbless America" ​​on Yandex.Zen.

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