The only time I go to the PO is to return a free shipping already labeled item that I leave on the unmanned counter, passing the long line of onlookers pissed that I can do this.
The one time I had to send something certified I felt terrible that I didn’t need stamps. Who needs stamps these days?
I love when you're able to breeze in and out of these types of places and I am glad they are trying to make shipping a lot easier. I also can't help myself from clocking stuff going on around me if I have to wait in line; it's an anthropological goldmine! I also get very flustered and apologetic if I don't have all my ducks in a row, like "Oh gosh! I'm so sorry that I'm making you do more of your job! I should have known all of these things! How stupid! I should take a rock to my head straight away!" :) See? Postal. Power.
Loved this! The post office is such a social experiment and full of odd ducks. I do Stitch Fix every three months and inevitably have something to return. I’m always grateful they prepare the shipping label so I don’t have to wait in line and I can just pass go and collect what feels like a golden ticket
It's wild to see the difference in how folks treat people who are working in the roles that are vital to our world. Sometimes it feels like humanity has been split into two different genetic make ups - those who SEE people and those who don't. I loved your essay and your human made image - well done!
I completely agree. I have always said that there should be some kind of requirement between the ages of 16 and 20 that you have to work in some kind of service industry (retail, hospitality, food etc.) I worked retail jobs in my 20s and it definitely left me with valuable lessons about how to treat others-customers and coworkers.
You have the right idea here, Sheila. Leave the attitude behind - good behavior all the way. It serves no purpose the vent in the Post Office. It is like cutting off your own nose to let your face know who's in control...
You know, a lot of times I think the person is also just not self-aware or they just need to take their bad day out on someone. You can always tell the difference between someone who is in struggle and someone who is just an asshole :)
You are welcome to use it! Canva is mostly licensed designs and art, so I can hardly claim this as entirely mine. I added my own touches to it--color, font, embellishments. As I said, I saw something similar on another person's newsletter and really loved it. Spread the human crafted goodness! X!
There is a certain protocol at the PO and you've nailed it.
And you are right about the training/exposure of younger people to the world of service. The most unexpected compliment/observation another person made to me was a sales person in a shoe store who had been helping me for about ten minutes. "You really understand how the service industry works, don't you?" All I'd done was to thank her for bringing me shoes and tell her that I'd work with her so that she could take care of others as well. Her commission was severely dented by the customer before me who took an hour to make up her mind.
That is such an awesome interaction/connection. I like to imagine we’d be a bit better human to human if we had to be on the other side of the register. For sure!
The only time I go to the PO is to return a free shipping already labeled item that I leave on the unmanned counter, passing the long line of onlookers pissed that I can do this.
The one time I had to send something certified I felt terrible that I didn’t need stamps. Who needs stamps these days?
Wonderful essay.
I love when you're able to breeze in and out of these types of places and I am glad they are trying to make shipping a lot easier. I also can't help myself from clocking stuff going on around me if I have to wait in line; it's an anthropological goldmine! I also get very flustered and apologetic if I don't have all my ducks in a row, like "Oh gosh! I'm so sorry that I'm making you do more of your job! I should have known all of these things! How stupid! I should take a rock to my head straight away!" :) See? Postal. Power.
I need stamps CK…thank you very much
Haha. For what? Your penpal? 😉
Mostly it’s because I’m cheap. Certain bills can only be paid by credit card with a fee added on, which I refuse to do.
Also, manifestos.
The joy of online banking. Or maybe you’re like my dad and don’t trust their firewall. Which I totally get.
Loved this! The post office is such a social experiment and full of odd ducks. I do Stitch Fix every three months and inevitably have something to return. I’m always grateful they prepare the shipping label so I don’t have to wait in line and I can just pass go and collect what feels like a golden ticket
Yes! I am fascinated and humbled whenever I'm in there. And I definitely do NOT mess around. No ma'am :)
I will not stand for this Bread blasphemy, man.
ITALY IS COMING FOR YOUR SOFT ROCK DENTIST OFFICE BAND!!! :)
🤣🤣
It's wild to see the difference in how folks treat people who are working in the roles that are vital to our world. Sometimes it feels like humanity has been split into two different genetic make ups - those who SEE people and those who don't. I loved your essay and your human made image - well done!
I completely agree. I have always said that there should be some kind of requirement between the ages of 16 and 20 that you have to work in some kind of service industry (retail, hospitality, food etc.) I worked retail jobs in my 20s and it definitely left me with valuable lessons about how to treat others-customers and coworkers.
Yes. I was a restaurant server for many years. It was the second best job ever! (The job I currently have is the best job ever.) It taught me a ton.
You have the right idea here, Sheila. Leave the attitude behind - good behavior all the way. It serves no purpose the vent in the Post Office. It is like cutting off your own nose to let your face know who's in control...
You know, a lot of times I think the person is also just not self-aware or they just need to take their bad day out on someone. You can always tell the difference between someone who is in struggle and someone who is just an asshole :)
Yep. I think so, too.
I'm going to use that image now, too. Thanks, funny gal!
Awesome! I whipped it up in Canva, which made it soooper easy and fun! Go humans! 👏🏻💕
Can I use it too? Or is it best to make my own?
You are welcome to use it! Canva is mostly licensed designs and art, so I can hardly claim this as entirely mine. I added my own touches to it--color, font, embellishments. As I said, I saw something similar on another person's newsletter and really loved it. Spread the human crafted goodness! X!
You are such a joy to read, my friend!
Grazie! Honestly, I wish I could mail myself to Milan :) X!
You give me so much laughter, Sheila. Here is a little payback just for you. An adventure in the Milan Post Office. (Just 3 minutes.)
https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/copy-a-milanese-aria?
OMIGOD! If I were an American postal worker and had experienced that, I would have texted my resignation and begged for a job there. INCREDIBLE!
I thought you would like this. A short immersion into a small piece of Italy. Thanks for reading it, Sheila.
Absolutely lovely!! Thank YOU! X!
I LOVED the Milan Post Office! What a gift that man gave!
Thank you, Elizabeth!
There is a certain protocol at the PO and you've nailed it.
And you are right about the training/exposure of younger people to the world of service. The most unexpected compliment/observation another person made to me was a sales person in a shoe store who had been helping me for about ten minutes. "You really understand how the service industry works, don't you?" All I'd done was to thank her for bringing me shoes and tell her that I'd work with her so that she could take care of others as well. Her commission was severely dented by the customer before me who took an hour to make up her mind.
That is such an awesome interaction/connection. I like to imagine we’d be a bit better human to human if we had to be on the other side of the register. For sure!
I wanna see the Smurf costume photo! 🩵
Oh…that is in the vault…gotta know the combination 😘😉