I was reflecting on the headline of Max’s latest column (“The customer is always right,” Pique, Jan. 20) after having a lovely interaction with a possibly local fellow who objected to being asked to put on a mask. A couple F-bombs and rather threatening motions later, I was told that I’m ****ing bad at my job, and Whistler is not as welcoming as it used to be.
Well, he seemed to have some [stuff] going on in his life... I would try to cut the guy some slack if he didn’t seem to be making a habit of going around harassing the overworked, understaffed and just plain burnt-out frontline workers of Whistler.
Am I less welcoming than I used to be? I know I am, and it weighs on me. I come in to work with my guard up every day. I miss the simplicity of pre- pandemic life when you could pretty much count on having to at least mess something up before getting yelled at by a customer! And honestly, there’s no easy “on” switch to turn me back into that relatively carefree person I used to be.
My wish for 2022 is that we figure out how to show each other a little more kindness. These days it takes me 10 times as much energy to put on that smile (under my mask, which I’m tired of wearing too, by the way), and I’m sure I’m not alone. I recently overheard a comment in a local coffee shop that people don’t seem to be saying “please” and “thank you” as much around town. Little things like that do add up when they’re missing.
Lastly, I’ll just give a shout-out to the majority in Whistler who realize it’s not appropriate to take your grievances with the ongoing pandemic out on staff. Whistler, for the most part, you rock! Let’s try and keep the good vibes going.
As for that guy, if you’re reading this, I hope things get easier for you. I hope things get easier for us all. With that said, you are not welcome back in my store. Best of luck in your future endeavours.
