In the US, we’re famous for our overly friendly customer service. Servers, bartenders, and retail associates are trained to go out of their way to smile, make small talk, and do anything in their power to put their customers at ease. Coming from a person who worked in that world for a good while– it can be emotionally exhausting. Not everyone who comes into my store is my best friend and I’m tired of acting like they are! 

Don’t get me wrong, a little human connection is nice every once and a while. After all, in the words of George Costanza, «We’re living in a society.» But even when I’m on the other side of the interaction, especially at the grocery store, I like to be left to my own devices. I love to browse in peace. That’s why this grocery store’s new policy seems so counter-intuitive and weird. Get a load of it below.