Yesterday, while I was deep in conversation with a couple of guests from Texas, a woman approached my desk. She looked at my sign, which reads "Concierge Desk" and then lists some of the helpful and delightful things the concierge is responsible for. As I was mid-sentence with the Texans, she piped in with a "Is this the Concierge Desk?" I nodded and smiled, and then she proceeded to attempt to make a sales pitch to me. Through gritted teeth, I let her know I was currently with guests and that I would be happy to speak with her momentarily. The Texans scampered away.
The interrupter then spoke again.
"Happy Hannukah!"
I responded.
"Thank you. Same to you. How can I help you?"
As if I'd just stabbed her with a blunt pair of scissors, she looked mildly hurt, mostly baffled.
"Oh, I'm not Jewish. I'm a CHRISTIAN."
I assured her I had not been out to offend, I was merely returning the greeting that had been extended to me. She then informed me that I just "looked Jewish." And then tried to talk to me about her new salon and ask me to send her my "clients."
Note to people forced to solicit and cold call: probably not best to make broad, sweeping generalized comments and potentially offend would be business partners. Also, get the lingo straight. I work in a hotel, therefore I have guests, not clients. Lucky for her, being told I "look Jewish" doesn't offend me but I still doubt she'll see any of my guests darken her door. Pure silliness, y'all.
File this one under "I love people."
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