Catchy phrases occur in everyday conversation. One would be hard pressed to navigate any day without hearing at least half a dozen colloquialisms. If you think you are typically immune to hearing these oft-repeated idioms, let me mention a few for you.
“It is what it is.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Keep an eye on it.”
“Sooner or later.”
“Play it by ear.”
“Piece of cake.”
“Take it easy.”
“You can say that again.”
And, the one that I am highlighting today,
“It’s the little things.”
This phrase, to which I assume, most of us commonly add the two-word addendum “that count.” And in all likelihood, (see what I did there) we don’t think much of this comment as we say the words. Though when we are confronted with the real world application of this maxim, this often casual utterance caries much more gravity.
I recently went to a local grocery super store to pick up food for lunch. Like most, I had little expectations but to grab a few appealing victuals, pay, and be on my way. The initial stage of my shopping experience, the selection of food, having been completed, I proceeded to the food court area checkout.
At this stage, the unimaginatively boring process of paying for one’s food became inspiration, and aggravation. Like most grocery establishments, this particular locale has a bonus card, which is designed to make the consumer believe that the use of said card is actually garnering them tangible financial savings. Part of the magic trick is audience participation, ergo, I place my styrofoam-encased nutrition upon the counter, and reach for the card attached to the keys in my pocket.
Through my prepared action, the cashier is relived of his obligation to ask for the “discount” card, and takes into his hands the keys from my outstretched hand. He then applies the staggered black lines to the awaiting laser, the beep confirming my bonus card validity, and giving him clearance to hand back my keys.
Yet, he doesn’t hand them back to me. He reaches forward, and proceeds to throw the keys on the counter.
I admit, I shocked by this action.
If I hand something to a person, I expect them to hand it back to me. If I hand my phone to a friend, for them to look at a video, or a picture, I certainly expect them to hand it back to me. I would never expect them to throw it on a table or nearby solid surface. I would expect them to place it back in my hand. If you give me a document to read and evaluate, while you are standing in front of me, I will place it back in your hand, I won’t discard it on the nearest desk. If you hand me a camera to take a picture of your family on vacation, I will gladly take the picture, but I will also hand the camera or phone back to you and not toss it on the ground at your feet. If you hand me your baby to hold……..
This is a little thing, but it counts. This grocery store is very close to where I work, and I go there several times a week. Every time I see that particular cashier, I cringe. I do everything possible to avoid that employee. It’s fair to say that the interaction has, minutely, tainted my view of the business. Will this absolutely remove me from purchasing at this grocery store? No it will not, but I’ve certainly lunched there far less since this experience.
“It’s the little things.”
Humbly yours,
J
