It could be a matter of personal preference, but I know that I don’t personally respond too well to threats, disrespect and attempts at intimidation. Despite being young and occasionally on the learning curve, I take a lot of pride in my work, my business and the journey that has brought me here. Possibly one of the worst mistakes you can make when doing business with me is to talk down to me. Although being 5′ 3″, sometimes that’s unavoidable. But you get the point.

I don’t imagine anyone especially likes being underestimated or insulted, but still people occasionally dish it out, possibly thinking that they’ll be more likely to get what they want out of the exchange? I end that sentence with a question mark because I don’t quite understand how someone could rationalize that. Like our breakfast waitress in Las Vegas this summer who took our orders in a rather militant fashion. Does she really expect a tip when she is nearly yelling at me for not having my ID ready when ordering my mimosa? I’m on vacation, lady. Plus I’m down $300, tired and hungover, geesh.

The oddest situations are when I’m paying a service provider and they’re talking to me like I’m a jerk. What’s wrong with this picture? Is this reverse psychology? Regardless, I try to treat everyone with a level of politeness and respect that I would expect from them, whether or not I pay them or they pay me. I think they call it “common courtesy.” (more…)