Thursday, December 27, 2012

Are You Sure It's the Thought That Counts?


I worked in the jewelry department at Macy's for a little while after college. I actually really liked it since I spent most of my time there trying on the diamonds. (I also got a fantastic discount.)

One day my manager, Katie, told me she'd be attending a destination wedding and would need to be gone for a week. She asked me to help out with a few things while she was away, like time sheets and inventory counts. Those things only took about twenty minutes, so I happily obliged.

When she returned from her vacation, Katie pulled me aside. "I just wanted to thank you for helping me out while I was gone," she said. "I got you this gift card for Target."

"Aw, Katie. You didn't have to do that," I said because that is what people say to be nice.

But you know what her response was?

"Okay. I'll keep it."

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Minnesota etiquette dictated that you always decline things the first time they're offered to you. Then the other person insists, and you graciously accept, but only after you make sure it's not too much trouble.

Katie totally blew right past all that. I was shocked. And a little bit sad because I really wanted that gift card.


2 comments:

Unknown said...

She missed the memo. The rule is: Deny 1st time strongly. Deny second time mildly. Accept third time with a half assed denial and smile and walk away.

Uff da, what was she thinking? She's not a true MInnesotan, don't cha know?

Unknown said...

Uff da indeed, my friend. Uff da indeed.