I'm a People Person

I like to meet new people and make small talk with them. It's fun to learn about people's interests and perspectives.

I've been working part-time at the Gap since Christmas. Having closed the title company, I decided to pick up the [menial!] job for the holiday season (employee discount came in handy at Christmas-time... guess where I did all my shopping!!). After the holiday passed, they asked if I would stay on until we leave Florida.

I said yes for two reasons, 1) the discount, and 2) the people. I enjoy the people I work with, and also enjoy the new people I meet every shift. For example, here's who I met last night:

1) A family from Finland. I overheard an accent I thought sounded familiar and had to ask, "So, from where are you visiting?" "Finland." they replied. I thought so! A pleasant bit of small talk about Finland's weather (compared to Florida's) and locales ensued. They were also eager to hear what I thought about our new savior, I mean president, Barack Obama. Ack... that's another blog post; but I gave them my opinion, hopefully without being too scary!

2) A young man about to go on a date. He was very excited and wanted a new shirt (he was going directly to pick her up). After a bit of deliberation about long sleeve vs. short, button-down vs. polo, and whether his budget could handle the new duds plus the evening's dinner, he settled on a polo and new T for layering. He really wanted the button-down, but also wanted to go all out for dinner, so he compromised. He said this is about the 20th date they've been on. "She's beautiful!" he said. He was giddy. He came out of the fitting room seeking my approval - then off he went. He was so eager to impress... I hope she was.

3) A little girl shopping with her grandma. I sold her a pair of sunglasses. She was 5 or 6 years old (we also have Gap Kids), and so adorable. Grandma was teaching her how to conduct herself in a purchase transaction. She did very well; even counted out the money herself. After removing the tags so she could wear them home (she had about an hour of daylight left), she modeled them for me before leaving the store.

It's really very enjoyable (aside from having to do "recovery" which basically means refolding piles of denim and "whisper soft" T-shirts... some customers have clearly never worked in retail, or they'd be more considerate!), I'd even consider transferring when we head to NC. There's none close enough, though. Too bad... I'll actually miss it when we go.