I will keep this brief. I am an individual who has lived a lot of life. I would like to help everyone who needs assistance. Just remember, you may not get the answer you want; however, I will provide you with the answer I think you need.
Gender: Male
Location: Albuquerque, NM and I now reside in Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Executive Analyst in Telecommunications and Film enthusiast.
Age: 27
Member Since: October 18, 2012
Answers: 5
Last Update: October 21, 2012
Visitors: 2630
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18/F I'm a greeter at Wal-Mart, so I interact with a loooot of different people on a daily basis. Well this one time later at night, this guy who looked to be about 30 and frankly, like a wannabe gangster pot-smoker, came in. I turned around when I heard the automatic door opening and kindly greeted him. He gave me a slight smile and walked past me, but he turned around and said, "You know, you have REALLY pretty eyes. Just thought I'd tell you that." Stunned, I said "Haha, thank you very much! Have a good night." and he walked away. He comes in about 2 or 3 times a week, and ever since he said that, I'd always smile at him when I walked past him, or greet him all friendly-like when he walked in. I just thought he was a nice guy, and I greeted him just like I greet the old people that come in. WELL, tonight I was returning some garlic bread back to where it belongs, when I saw him. So I smile and give a nod as I walk past. Well, I put the bread back, turn around and there he is. He says "Hey, do you have a number I could have so we could get to know each other?" I've never been asked for my number before, and he was so outright, I didn't know what to do. So I said, "Uuuummm... I don't know... How about YOU give me YOUR number?" So he asked if I had a pen and some paper, I said I didn't, but that we might have some up front. I start walking, and he follows me across the whole store to the front. I give him some paper, he rips it in half, writes his number down, and says "Give me your number too." I panicked. I've never dated anyone, let alone been asked out before. He seemed like the type that would call me a ton. SO, I wrote down my dad's old cell phone number which doesn't work anymore. He then asked me if I liked cage fighting. I said "Uh no, not really." and he goes "Well I'm fighting at the arena downtown next week, maybe you can watch one of my fights." and I said "Um, maybe!" then he asked what time I got out of work, to which I said I didn't know. I DEFINITELY didn't want him seeing the car I drive, or possibly have him following me home. He lives in the area, and comes in all the time, and what's worse is I'm a GREETER, so I'd HAVE to talk to him again. I thought about it, and I feel really bad... I probably shouldn't have done that, but I didn't know what else to do! I couldn't just flat out reject him, I see him all the time. After thinking about it, I feel terrible. So I tried to call the number so I could say something like, "Oh sorry, I accidentally gave you the wrong number! Things are complicated, and I'm really not looking for a relationship right now..." or something like that, but his writing's REALLY messy, I can hardly read the numbers they're so squished together, and when I attempted, I got some lady's voice mail. I really wasn't trying to be mean at all. I don't know what to do, or if what I did is right or not... Please help me! Thank you for your time. (link)
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Fake Number,
Thank you for the quirky story and I can assure you that you are not alone. As a front line associate, this was bound to happen, and depending on your tenure as a greeter it is surprising that this has happened before and yet you were caught off guard and "panicked".
First off, it is good that you actually care about what transpired. This instinct alone should have answered your question of "I don't know what to do, or if what I did is right or not"?
Confrontation is something that people deal with on a daily basis, and everyone's level of comfort also varies. Personally, I feel the action you took was not correct and was not very professional. My reasons are: This customer is a repeat customer that you see on a regular basis and he may actually approach you as ask why you gave him the wrong number or he may revisit his original request and ask for your number again. If he shrugs off that you gave him the wrong number, you either have to get creative and lie or tell the truth. The situation you put yourself can also have professional repercussions given he feels insulted.
On a personal note, there is nothing wrong with telling a customer that you are working and the conversation does go against your corporate code of conduct. This sounds ridiculous; however, you are protecting yourself and your business.
Honestly, a business is invested in the welfare and security of their employees, and you should speak with your management if something arises, because there is no way to gauge what kind of person this man is, and your personal security should come first.
I hope this helps.
-CLE247
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Rating: 5
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CLE247,
Hahaha, so glad this entertained you and the others. xD;
Harsh as your feedback is, it's your honest opinion, which is appreciated. Now that I think about it, it is the company's time I'm wasting, although it was five minutes 'till the end of my shift, but regardless, it is still wasted.
Also, you are right about his maybe getting insulted, I should definitely be more careful about that.
Thank you for your time, and your honest, well-thought out advice, dear sir. It is much appreciated. :DDD
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